Two Degrees of Separation

Chapter 15: Part of Me Died

Author's Note: All I will say about this chapter is: You're very welcome :)

Chapter 15: Part of Me Died

Scott woke up to the feeling of bony arms and legs wrapped around his body. He looked down, thanking God for Mitch Grassi, who was the best damn friend he could ask for. He was still asleep, holding onto Scott's waist for dear life. He had taken care of him again. He hugged him close, smiling fondly as he groaned in response to the squeezing of his small frame.

"You trying to pop my lungs or something, Hoying?" His eyes were still closed, and he nuzzled his face into Scott's chest.

Scott laughed, gently. "Thanks for staying with me last night, Mitchy," he whispered, running his hand lazily up and down Mitch's back. "I know you probably wanted to go to the party."

Mitch opened his eyes and propped himself up on his elbows. "You're more important. I know that Harry blindsided you with that song. Not cool. I hated to see you falling apart over it in the bathroom afterwards. Broke my heart, Samantha."

"I'm an embarrassment."

"You're not. And just in case you were wondering... I think Harry was crying by the end of it."

"No, he wasn't," Scott's voice sounded more hopeful than he had intended.

"He was. He wouldn't look at the crowd when he was done. His eyes were glistening, too. I think he's really struggling."

Scott shrugged and remained silent.

"What did Kendall say to you last night? I wanted to punch her pretty little face for you."

Scott let out small laugh. "She wanted to let me know that the photos and videos were an exaggeration of what had happened. She said that they were both very drunk, and that while her actions were 'unforgiveable'" he put his fingers up in air quotes, "Harry pushed her off of him right after the photo was taken. She said he looked mortified and that she was surprised there were no photos or videos of what happened after the kiss, because he looked panicked and upset and it was heartbreaking to watch. I don't know, something like that."

Mitch was quiet for a moment. "Do you believe her?"

"I don't know. They were talking again last night."

"I saw that."

"Yeah, so I guess they can't keep their hands off of each other."

"Well, he looked mad."

"No, he didn't."

Mitch groaned. "Harry looked like he wanted to kill her, Scott."

"They were flirting. Her hands were on him and everything."

"Scott, he was clearly whisper-yelling at her."

Scott was quiet now. Mitch continued, "Do you think that maybe this was a misunderstanding? And that, maybe, even though Harry made a mistake, it isn't the catastrophic mistake that you thought he made?"

"Maybe. But I don't want to get my hopes up. I need to forget that any of this ever happened."

Mitch sighed and unlocked his phone. He typed frantically for a moment, and Scott cocked an eyebrow in interest. He shoved his phone into Scott's hands a minute later.

"Watch," Mitch urged.

It was a video of the performance from the night before. "Mitch... I don't..."

"Watch," Mitch pressed again.

Scott listened as Harry's voice wavered at certain parts. He watched as Harry's eyes filled with tears and he would blink them away before letting them fall. He listened to the emotions spill off of Harry's lips as he belted the bridge. He watched as Harry hung his head in response to the roaring applause. It was like he was watching Harry's heart being ripped from his chest, and left bleeding on the stage. It was vulnerable, and it was beautiful.