True Love

32. Memories

This one will be a kind of sweet break... ^^

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They were leaving Ellen's studios, talking about the show. They were rather happy about the way it had been going on.

- We did what we had to do. Your answers were perfect Avi. And I think we did well, ending by a few scoops about the album. Hopefully, people will stick on this instead of all this silly hate.

- Ellen was perfect. We owe her a lot. It was the perfect show for us, answered Avi, with a soft smile. Yes Scott, I feel satisfied.

- Shall we have a drink somewhere now?

- I had even more in mind, Kevin...

They had reached the front door and were about to get out in the street. Reflexively, Mitch let go of Avi's hand before going outside. But Avi wrapped an arm around his shoulder, firmly.

- Stay here little angel. We'll never have to do that again.

Mitch gazed at him, a smile slowly tugging at his lips. Avi smiled back at him.

- Not only we're officially boyfriends now, but would you have forgotten the meaning of this?

He grabbed Mitch's hand and put his fingers around his ring. Mitch giggled happily.

- Of course I didn't! It's just... I'm still not used to do this in public spaces, he blushed.

- I'm sure it won't take you long, whispered Avi, squeezing his shoulders. We are free now...

Their three bandmates didn't comment, they just smiled. Even Scott felt how meaningful was this moment for them, after nine long months hiding from everyone. Avi met his gaze and smiled happily.

- I would like to take y'all for dinner. Come on. We need to go by car, it's outside the city.

Mitch glanced at Avi but remained silent.

When they reached the restaurant, Mitch looked at Avi with a fond smile.

- We came here for our first date...

- Oh! Are we gonna learn some pieces of your story tonight?

- Maybe Scott, if you're a good boy, smirked Avi.

- I promise, answered Scott solemnly.

They all giggle while getting inside.

When they were all seated around a table, with drinks, Kirstie asked:

- So, will you tell us about that day?

Mitch blushed, making Kirstie and Scott friendly laugh at him. Avi smiled.

- Remember that Saturday when you moved in with Soraya, Kev?

- Of course homie!

- And you were both so mysterious about your possible dates! giggled Scott.

- It was myterious for us too, in a way... On Sunday morning, I called Mitch. I wanted to take him on a first real date, two weeks after the "shopping day."

- You never really told us that much about this one either!

- Scott, you promised... smirked Avi.

Scott shut his mouth and covered it with his hands, giggling.

The story was interrupted by the arrival of a server coming to take their orders. Kevin, Kirstie and Scott gave him their choice. Avi followed, with a little smile tugging at his lips. Mitch glanced at him, and ordered in turn.

- Guys, what are you playing at? asked Kevin.

- Something's going on between these two, noticed Scott when the server left.

Mitch and Avi smiled but didn't comment. Avi went on with his story.

- I called Mitch in the morning and he joined me on a parking lot.

- Yes! That day when you told me that maybe you wouldn't come back at night!

- That day, answered Mitch, blushing again.

- Scott.

- Sorry Kirst. But I try to remember by our side, that's all.

Avi smiled at him.

- We came here. It's a place I kinda like...

He turned his face to Mitch.

- We were so shy at the beginning, remember?

- Yes, giggled Mitch with a happy smile. But you know why...

The server was back, with the first orders. He went to get the next ones, while Scott and Kirstie were discovering what was in their plates. The server came back with Kevin's plate only and left. He finally came back one last time. He gazed at Avi and Mitch, holding both their plates and smiling.

- You ordered this, right? he asked Mitch, showing him a plate.

- Yes.

Then he placed the plate in front of Avi, and the second one in front of Mitch. He was still smiling. Avi peered at him questioningly.

- I remember you... You had chosen exactly the same in January. But you've inverted your orders today.

- You remember?!

- I do. You were... really cute! he ended, slightly blushing. I'm happy to see you back with your friends.

And he left them with an embarrassed smile.

- Woah! That was something! He remembers you, and even who ordered what!

- I even hadn't noticed him, said Mitch thoughtfully.

- Me neither, answered Avi. I guess we had something else in mind...

They all giggled.

- Let's eat now!

- But your story isn't finished yet, whined Scott.

- Be patient my friend, I won't eat cold to satisfy your curiosity!

After a few bites though, Avi continued his story.

- Not a lot to add, anyway. We went for a walk on the beach after lunch. And I asked Mitch if he would come home. This was our first night together... We told you the next day about us.

He blushed a little, grabbing Mitch's hand over the table.

They all remained silent for a while. Avi and Mitch were sharing a moved gazed, their hands intertwined on the table. Kirstie sighed and spoke softly.

- Thank you to share these memories with us. I guess it will always be a special day, as much as the first one.

- Yes, blowed Mitch.

Avi smiled at her happily. Then he turned towards Kevin and punched his shoulder playfully.

- Sorry Playa, I can be as cheezy as Scott sometimes! But I wouldn't want to prevent you from finishing your meal!

- I'm happy I'm not the only one to be cheezy, chuckled Scott. May I hope for a walk on the beach after dinner then?

They all laughed. The moment was gone, but not the memories.