True Love

34. Hey Brother

A/N

I love this song a lot, and it came to mind when I was writing this chapter...

Mitch & Scott are beside the video ^^

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Two days later, as promised, Scott asked Mitch to hangout with him after their interview. Mitch peered at Avi, who smiled.

- You're not asking me for permission, are you?

But Mitch's gaze seemed so lost that Avi cupped his face and gently rubbed his thumbs on his cheeks.

- Hey! Little angel! It would be the first time I see you hesitate about joining Scottie! What's going on?

Mitch had briefly closed his eyes under his caress. He let escape a slight sigh.

- Nothing. It's just... I feel tired. I thought we would be at home this afternoon.

He glanced at Scott with a guilty look, while Avi was slipping his hands down on his shoulders.

Scott had been waiting, rather surprised by Mitch's reaction. It was the very first time that Mitch seemed to try to avoid to spend some time with him.

- I didn't plan any thing special Mitchie, he said softly. If you need calm, it's fine. We don't have to do anything crazy! We can even stay at home. It's just that I was missing you actually. And so does Wyatt, by the way, he added with a wink.

A little smile tugged at Mitch's lips, who relaxed slowly.

- I miss you too... Okay, I'm coming.

Scott saw Avi doing his best to suppress a sigh of relief. When Mitch turned back his face to him, he was smiling fondly. He pressed his lips on his, squeezing his arms around his shoulders. Then he pulled away, pushing him gently towards Scott and saying happily:

- Have fun! I wanted to work on a song anyway. Maybe I could join you for dinner?

- That's a good idea! exclaimed Scott, it's been a while you didn't come at home.

- See you later then!

*****

Scott wrapped an arm around Mitch's shoulders and Avi watched them going away. Scott said something and Mitch giggled. At last! Avi sighed deeply and turned to Kirstie and Kevin who had watched the whole scene without a word. Kirstie spoke:

- What's going on Avi? Can you tell us?

- Scott is going to try to find out... why Mitch has been drinking so often lately, answered Avi, his voice cracking on the last words.

Kirstie walked to him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

- I'm sorry Avi. I was thinking of something like this.I haven't been with him long enough time to be sure, but I had noticed it could be the issue again. Scott will make him talk.

- I've been unable to make him tell me.

- Please, don't feel guilty! I'm sure he was afraid to hurt you, or something like this. It will be easier for him to talk to Scott at first. I've already needed to talk to someone else before feeling ready to talk to Jeremy. Nothing unusual!

- Thank you Kirstie, you always find the words.

She pecked a kiss on his cheek and pulled away, smiling gently. Avi caught the hand Kevin was reaching him, and they bumped their shoulders as they always did, while Kevin was patting Avi's back with his other hand.

- Give me news, homie. And call me if you need, you promise?

- Yes Kevin, thank you, smiled Avi. I'll be fine. I'm working on a song, music will help me to wait.

*****

- What do you prefer, Mitch? Shall we have lunch in town, or do you prefer to come home?

- In town, it's fine. I'm sorry about earlier. I don't know... Seems I have trouble to change my plans at the last minute these days.

- It's okay Mitchie. It was on an impulse. I've surprised you. But you're here and I'm happy! Take me where you want.

During lunch, Scott drank some soda, Mitch bought a small bottle of wine. Scott didn't say a word about it.

They hanged out for a while in town, getting in a few shops just for fun. They laughed at each other's silly jokes, as they used to do. Mitch casually asked for a stop in a bar in the middle of the afternoon, and Scott agreed without a comment. Mitch ordered a beer.

Then they went shopping for dinner, and Mitch was smiling while imagining a menu that would please Avi. He also chose two bottles of wine, one of whiskey for Avi, and a bottle of vodka.

Eventually, they got into Scott's house around 5 pm. Mitch was already slightly tipsy, laughing for nothing. Wyatt came to them running and meowing. Mitch giggled and caught him in his arms.

- Where are your roommates?

- They've planned a party tonight, they must have gone already. Alex wanted me to come, but I wanted to be with you today.

- That's nice! exclaimed Mitch almost mindlessly.

Scott didn't reply. It hadn't been easy to convince Alex to go without him! But his boyfriend had finally agreed that Mitch wouldn't talk if he wasn't alone with Scott.

They were supposed to start to cook for dinner, but Mitch grabbed one of the bottles of wine and was about to open it.

- I thought it was for dinner.

Mitch stiffened.

- Just a glass. There will be enough left for dinner, as we are just the three of us.

Scott stared at him briefly. Then he took two glasses in a cup board. He filled them with some water, grabbed them in one hand and a bottle of water in the other. He invited Mitch to follow him in the living room. Slightly puzzled by his assertive behavior, Mitch joined him on the couch.

Scott handed him a glass, and Mitch took a sip, his eyes peering at Scott. Scott gestured him to drink it all. Mitch, as enthralled, obeyed.

- I won't play any longer, Mitch. I had noticed something lately, but a whole day with you makes it pretty clear. It's even not the end of the afternoon, and you're already almost drunk. We both know what it means. Tell me.

Mitch remained silent and motionless for a while. Scott filled his glass again, and took a sip from his, waiting. Slowly, Mitch grabbed his own glass and began to drink. His eyes remained locked on Scott's. He set back the glass on the coffee table.

- I should leave Avi.

- You should what?!

- I'm ruining his family. I'm ruining his life.

Mitch's body was still stiffened, but some tears began to roll slowly on his cheeks.

- You would ruin him if you left him, Mitch.

Mitch's lips were trembling, then his whole body started shuddering. He suddenly collapsed and Scott caught him firmly in his arms. Mitch curled up against him and cried silently, his body violently shaken by sobs. It was even worse than if he had been crying loudly. Scott held tightly the little ball of pure despair in his arms, waiting for him to calm down. It took several long minutes...

When Mitch's sobs began to soften and to be spaced out, Scott stroked his hair gently and whispered:

- Tell me now.