Moving on ~ Sequel of Travis (a scömìche fanfic)

Chapter 11

"Mitch..." Scott whispered from sitting beside his sleepy boyfriend.

"Mitchie..."

"Wake up sleepy head..."

Mitch groaned and flipped in his bed.

The warm blankets cuddled closer to his body, making Mitch even more comfortable.

Scott chuckled and looked to the clock.

9:34 am

He looked back to Mitch.

"Hey... are you feeling better today?"

Mitch hid his head under his pillow and hummed in response.

His bare back stood out, where Scott could faintly see Mitch's ribs.

He's been eating better, thankfully.

Although he was getting into better shape, Scott noticed something unusual.

He could see a tint of red near Mitch's upper back and his neck.

Scott placed his hand on Mitch's back, making the smaller man flinch a little.

"What the..?"

He started rubbing Mitch's back.

"What happened to your back, hun?"

Mitch opened his eyes from under the pillow.

"S***."

"What?" He replied, acting dumb.

"These red marks on your back and neck. Can you flip over for me?"

Without waiting for Mitch's response, Scott gently flipped Mitch over.

Mitch took the pillow off of his head and sat up quickly.

Scott's mouth hung open as he examined the multiple bruises on Mitch's chest and neck.

"Mitchie... what..."

"Scott, I can explain."

Scott shook his head. "No, I already know."

Pain grew in Mitch's stomach.

"You're hitting yourself."

Mitch grew confused. "I-"

Scott engulfed Mitch into a soft hug, cutting off his sentence.

"Oh Mitch, you shouldn't be doing this. Just because there isn't someone hurting you anymore, that doesn't mean you have to. You don't deserve the pain."

Mitch had no words.

If he spoke up, he would have to make up an excuse.

If he didn't, he'll have to live with that guilt.

Either way, Scott will find out the truth.

And it will include Scott being upset.

No way out.

"Scott... that isn't-"

Scott backed away to look into Mitch's eyes.

"No. No excuses, Mitch. I know what's going on and I don't need you to try to hide it. You can trust me remember? After all, I trust you."

"F***."

"Listen to me, Scott. When we were in town yesterday, you were getting me water. Remember? While you were in there, someone accidentally bumped into me, making me fall into that little alley way. As I was bumped in, I slipped on something and landed on my back. I tried getting back up using the wall, but that was slippery too so my neck hit the dumpster."