True Love

35. Scott

Leaving Scott's arms, Mitch sat up slowly. He folded his legs and wrapped his arms tightly around his knees, facing Scott who crossed his legs on the couch. He began to speak, with a still ragged breathe.

- It was during our first evening in our new home... I asked Avi to tell me more about his weekend at his parents. He had just told me that his mother had been understanding, and his father needed time but didn't disown him... That evening, he told me the whole thing. His father may have kept him his love, he can't bring himself to meet me, to see us together.

Tears were rolling down his cheeks again, but he didn't make a move to wipe them.

- Family is everything for him, Scott! In about three weeks, they'll be celebrating Hanukkah, and if nothing new happens in our shedule, he should be able to be with them. Without me. And then there's Christmas. And anyway, everytime he'll want to visit them, he'll have to make a choice... I'm allowed to go, but then his father won't be there. How can I let this happen? It's been a month already. He talked to his mother on the phone, I think his father told him a few words once, but nothing has changed. And all the scandal around our video surely didn't help...

Scott picked up a tissue from a box on the coffee table, leaned down to wipe Mitch's cheeks gently and handed him a second one for him to blow his nose.

- Now, listen to me, Mitch. If breaking up was the best solution for him, he would have to make this choice by himself. It's not for you to decide what is the best for him now. And more important, it's now that he needs you the most by his side! His father told him he would need time? Great! What you have to do is to help Avi during this time. Make this waiting worth it. He needs you by his side. Now that he came out for you, wouldn't it be worse if he lost you? His father could tell him it was a useless waste...

Mitch had rested his chin on his knees and was staring at Scott, as if he was drinking his words.

- He doesn't need a drunk crying baby beside him. He needs the man he fell in love with. The man who brings him all what he described in your song. The angel-bird I've always known. Do you still know where he is?

Mitch widened his eyes. He seemed quite shocked at first by Scott's last words. Then he seemed to collect himself. His face strengthened, he clenched his jaws briefly, before relaxing slowly, his gaze becoming thoughtful.

- I guess I've been selfish, right? Poor little me, and all that stuff.

- No Mitch, you've never been selfish. Your only issue is self-confidence. But there's someone counting on you now, as much as you count on him. Aren't you engaged? This should mean something, right? Oh! Babe, come here! I didn't mean to hurt you, but you were so far gone!

Scott leaned forward and held out his arms to wrap them around Mitch's neck, while Mitch was resting his arms around his friend's waist. Their foreheads joined.

- Thank you Scott. I felt lost, indeed. And useless. And guilty. It's the very first time that someone else than you needs me... I needed to hear every single word you told me.

They tightened their embrace for a while, eyes closed. Then Mitch pulled away, kissed Scott's forehead and whispered:

- You're the best brother a man could dream. I'm lucky. And grateful.

Scott smiled at him, relieved.

- Now, we have a meal to cook, added Mitch with a wink.

*****

The next hour was a huge relief for Scott. He found back his sassy beloved Mitch, dancing in the kitchen, giving him orders, teasing him, singing.