An Unbreakable Bond

One

(Scott is 24, Kirstie is 18, and Mitch is 16)

A/N: When there is a conversation with sign language, asterisks and italics will be used.:)

Six years later

Scott picked up some plates and put them in a tub, sighing loudly. It had to be at nine. Not too late, but Kirstie could be off at some party she was forbidden to go to, leaving Mitch by himself.

Scott worried constantly about his younger siblings. After their parents died, Kirstie underwent a change and not a good one. She began to lie constantly. She snuck off to parties and ditched school. She is always on Scott's last nerve and they can't even talk to each other without an argument sparking between them.

Mitch was another story. While he obeyed Scott, the last time he talked was when he told that he was deaf. Scott wanted nothing more than to hear what Mitch sounded like. Mitch is so sweet yet so shy and kept to himself a lot. Scott could hear singing sometimes so that's all that really matters.

"Scott?" His manger asked softly, catching his attention. Scott nodded as he turned to her. "How about you go home, okay? I'll give you your bill tomorrow."

"I know, but I need the money," Scott replied softly, picking up the plates. His boss then took the tub from him. "Come on, Melanie. I need this."

"And you need sleep," the shorter girl told him in a motherly yet firm tone. She brushed back her multi-colored hair and placed the tub on her hip. "You also need to make sure Kirstie is home. She could be at that party."

"Knowing her, she probably is," Scott replied, shaking his head. He took off his apron and walked to his work locker to put it away. "I'm leaving now. I'm sorry, Mel."

"Don't be sorry, hon," she reassured kindly. She looked at the calendar and frowned. "It's been six years."

Scott nodded as he thought back to the night his parents died and Mitch became deaf. He didn't even notice that he was crying until he felt a soft hand touch his cheek. It was Melanie, who smiled at him sadly.

"I'm sorry, I'm a crybaby," Scott apologized, laughing a bit. Melanie laughed herself and shook her head.

"But you don't care," Melanie replied. Scott laughed when she referenced one of her songs. "You go home, okay? Mitch is by himself if Kirstie left."

Scott nodded as grabbed his car keys. Melanie waited for him and they walked to their cars. Melanie sang softly, singing a song about a dollhouse. Her voice could calm Scott down right away. She went into her and smiled back at Scott.

"It's the weekend tomorrow," Melanie reminded Scott. The tall blond nodded, knowing what will happen next. "Don't come here, okay? Alex will take over your shift. He volunteered to take it."

Scott smiled and nodded, thankful for his work buddy. They've known each other since they were in elementary school and Alex helped the family after the Rick and Connie passed away. Mitch loved it whenever Alex came over because the older man helped the younger one with sign language. Scott couldn't tell what it was, but whenever he saw Alex, his heart fluttered. If he was in love with Alex, he refused to do be in a relationship. His small family is his number one priority right now.

"Okay, I'll thank him later. Thank you, Mel," Scott Rowland, getting into his car. He drove slowly, not wanting his siblings to get that fateful call he got six years back. He got home safely, unlocking the door. "I'm home!"

No response.

"Of course Kirstie left," Scott murmured angrily. He shook his head as he went upstairs, smiling when he saw Mitch doing homework. He walked in and sat down on the bed, catching Mitch's attention. *How are you, kiddo?*

*I'm good, thank you. How about you? You look exhausted* Mitch signed back, frowning at the exhaustion clouding in Scott's eyes.

*I've had better days* Scott answered, shaking his head. Mitch nodded sadly and hugged Scott tightly. He let go, smiling at his brother. *Thanks, Mitchy. Also, did Kirstie leave?*

*Yeah* Mitch frowned, looking down at his lap. *She didn't say bye. I cried. I'm so happy you're here. I thought she left me.*

*Well, I'm here and I'm never going to leave* Scott promised, hugging Mitch's shoulders. Ever since their parents dead, Mitch blamed himself constantly. There were moments when he wished that he was the one in front of the gun that killed their parents. He felt like he was the reason his parents left. *You aren't the reason why Mom and Dad are gone, okay? It's that shooter's fault. You did nothing.*

*If I didn't have rehearsal, then they will still be alive. It is my fault* Mitch began to cry after that. Scott hugged him gently, rubbing his back gently. After a few minutes, Mitch became tired and let go of Scott's embrace. *I'm tired. Goodnight.*

*Good night* Scott signed as he put the blankets over Mitch's small body. He put the homework on Mitch's desk. *We're going to do something fun tomorrow. I have the day off. Any ideas?*

*I have nothing in mind. All I care about is that you're here* Mitch yawned as he closed his eyes. *I love you.*

Scott smiled as we walked out of the room, signing one more thing.

*I love you, too.*

~~~

Kirstie went home around two in the morning, giggling loudly. She kissed the person who brought her home messily and pushed him out of her house, slamming the door in his face. She turned around to see Scott standing in front of her. His arms are crossed and his eyes are full of anger. She crossed her own arms, shaking her head.

"I could cross my own arms too," Kirstie told him sassily. "I just went to a party. You're acting like I just committed a crime."

"You're eighteen," Scott fought back. He used arms to express his anger. "You're still a kid!"

"I'm an adult now," Kirstie yelled, going upstairs. "You baby me all the time! Guess what? I'm not Mitch! You baby him constantly! Stop babying me!"

"I'm not! Kirstin Taylor, come here," Scott commanded. His sister marched upstairs, reducing to listen to him. He heard the door slam and he sighed heavily as he looked up. "Mom, Dad? What am I doing wrong?"

He shook his head as he went upstairs to go to his own bedroom. As he went to bed, he thought one thing.

Why am I such a terrible brother?

And just like every other night since his parents died, Scott's tears were his lullaby.

A/N: Sooo...I have some things planned. I'm super excited, haha. Kevin and Avi will be in the next chapter. Also, if you love innocent Mitch, you're in luck because you found the right story! Also, Kirstie will have a change of heart. This story will most likely be Scott-centric so I'm super excited! Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and remember that I love you all.:)

-Maddie🐧🐧🐧