"Springsteen" by Eric Church

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A/N: Yes this is a country song. JUDGE ME.

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Scott recognized him immediately. How could he not? It had been years since he'd seen that slender frame in person, but it felt like he hadn't missed a thing.

He was back to his natural brunet hair color again, which drew a smile on Scott's face. He'd seen the various phases of blond and purple, but the dark brown that matched those perfect eyes was always his favorite.

The blond had played with the idea that he might see Mitch here tonight but the chances had seemed slim. He'd become a pretty famous singer since they graduated and Scott just couldn't picture him actually turning up to a high school reunion. He assumed he'd have better things to do. Scott wasn't complaining though.

Mitch was the first boy that Scott ever fell for. They were friends for years and when Scott finally figured out who he was, it didn't take long to lose himself in the brunet. Their love had been immature and impermanent, but it was so good while it was there. If they had met when they were older, Scott was sure they would be the strongest couple to ever exist.

When the sparks first ignited between the pair, it was clear to see that Scott was someone who loved with his whole being. Mitch wasn't the same. Mitch's love was grounding and tame. It wasn't less, but it felt that way compared to just how much Scott's felt like more. The differences in how their emotions were expressed eventually caused their downfall, but Scott would never forget the times they had together.

His favorite memory with the smaller man was at a small bonfire party during the summer before their junior year in high school. Mitch's skin was nearly bronze from the tan he'd developed, and his cheeks were a light pink from where he forgot to apply sunscreen. The pair were bundled up in a blanket, oblivious to the rest of their peers, and Scott knew in that moment that he was undeniably in love with the smaller man wrapped in his arms. They spent the night singing hushed songs to each other and stealing tender kisses while the heat of the fire kept them warm.

"You should go talk to him." Scott nearly jumped out of his skin when the familiar voice reached his ears.

"Jesus Christ , Kirst!" Kirstie was the one person from school that Scott had kept in contact with after all these years. They hung out regularly and had decided to show up to the reunion together.

"You've been staring at him for like twenty minutes.

"I don't think I should talk to him. He probably doesn't even remember who I am." The feisty little blond to his side scoffed and rolled her eyes.

"Yeah right. He probably only came here tonight to find you." The idea made Scott's heart flutter but there was no way it was true.

"He's famous. I bet he has so many men after him.... I'm just a failed relationship from his past."

"It wasn't a failed relationship! You were both young and inexperienced. I was betting money that you two would get married. I bet if you talked to him, I could still have a shot at winning that bet." Scott nudged her shoulder playfully and laughed when she dodged away.

     "Go away, Kristen. Don't you have someone better to harass?"

Scott let his eyes return to Mitch who was still talking to a few people he used to be friends with. He had to admit that he was tempted to go see if he could steal some of his attention. One more small push from Kirstie had him on his feet, finally, and walking in the direction of the small man. When the distance closed between them Scott could swear the atmosphere began to shift. Maybe he was just making it up in his head.

Mitch paused his conversation when the girl in front of him glanced over his shoulder. He was about to ask what was wrong but then he heard it; that voice from his past that he'd dreamt about for the last ten years.

"Mitchy." The nickname. Mitch's breath caught in his throat and he couldn't find it in him to turn around just yet. He needed a second to process.

Scott noted the way the brunet's body tensed. He wasn't sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing, but he figured he would find out soon enough. Another beat of silence passed and then Mitch finally whirled around to face the blond.

Scott looked virtually the same to him, except much more "manly." He grew into his body perfectly. His arms and chest filled out and he didn't physically look like a gangly teenager anymore. His jaw only got more prominent with age, but it balanced him now instead of looking out of place, and Mitch made a mental note of how good he looked with facial hair.

Another silent moment of staring passed before he finally looked into those familiar blue eyes. They still looked like the ocean, and Mitch still wanted to drown in them. He never liked blue eyes until he fell in love with someone who had blue eyes.

"Scott..." it was barely a whisper, but he knew the larger man heard him. "It's so good to see you." Mitch found himself engulfed in arms before he could process what was happening, and he returned the warm hug without hesitation.

Scott was always the one who got away. Mitch had been so in love with the silly blond teenager, and he knew Scott had loved him too, but they fell apart. He'd always regretted it. He always thought he should have fought harder for that man. He'd been convinced he was never going to see him again, so when he caught wind of a high school reunion that held the potential of seeing Scott, he jumped at the opportunity.

Their hug lasted longer than it should have, but Scott didn't mind. The embrace was familiar while simultaneously different. Mitch fit against him just like he used to, but they'd both had physical changes over the years so the minor details were smudged. When they finally pulled away from each other, the blond couldn't help but take one of his hands into his own. Mitch had always kept him grounded, even now.

"Mitch. You look good. You haven't changed a bit!" Scott grinned and shook his head just slightly. "That's not true. You've changed a lot, but it looks good on you. The hair, the piercing... you look happy, Mitchy." The brunet blushed and couldn't contain the smile on his face. "Oh, and you've still got those dimples I love."

"Oh hush! You look good too! You filled out so nicely. Since when did you turn into mister muscles, huh?" Mitch set his free palm on Scott's bicep, which was much smaller when they were younger, and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Well I heard the famous and fabulous Mitch Grassi was coming to town and I decided I better beef up. Gotta impress." Mitch laughed at the playful wink shot in his direction. He was subconsciously aware of the fact that Scott was lacing their fingers together, but he didn't mind. He liked the contact. It had been too long since the last time.

"You're right, I'm basically an A list celebrity now. Better start kissing up soon!" The banter came naturally, even after a decade apart. Scott laughed and Mitch couldn't hide his smile at the sound. His voice was the same as he remembered. Everything was the same. "I missed you, Scotty. You're the one person from this place that I wish I hadn't lost touch with."

"I missed you too. Let's get back in touch, then." A gentle squeeze to his hand drew another warm smile on his features. "Kirstie is gonna be so pissed that you didn't say you wish you'd kept in touch with her."

"Oh shit. Is she here?!" There was a pause while Scott nodded. "Did you guys keep in touch?" Another nod. "And NO BODY TOLD ME?!" The blond laughed yet again.

"You went and got famous without us! We didn't know how to find you!" Mitch rolled his eyes playfully before slipping into another comfortable embrace with the larger man.

"Well here I am." Scott held him just a little tighter before the brunet pulled back. "Where's my sassy little princess. I need to see her."

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Considering a part two. I have lots of ideas for this. Any interest?

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