In Another Life

Eleven

A/N: Panic attack CW! Also, shout out to FlameTornado and Ezilra for inspiring the second scene :)

It only took one hour for the shock and elation Mitch felt from Blake confessing his love for him to fade away.

As it faded, a new feeling overtook Mitch instead: self doubt.

They were still watching the movie when it happened. Mitch had been engrossed in the film and was suddenly pulled out of his stupor by the feeling of Blake reaching over and taking his hand.

Mitch had looked over at Blake right away. For some reason, the sight of him and the sweet smile on his face made his stomach churn.

And then suddenly a million different questions were racing through his mind.

Did he really love Blake? Or did he just want to feel that way because he wanted to be loved?

Because he had sure never even thought of the idea of being in love with Blake until that night.

And did it even matter? Surely if Blake was as great as Mitch thought he was, then he would end up falling in love with him eventually, if he wasn't already.

But then he thought about Scott.

His sweet, loyal best friend Scott.

If Scott really hated him that much, then Mitch wasn't sure he could even make it to 'eventually' with Blake.

Especially not with Blake seriously suggesting he distance himself from Scott. Something like that should have been a dealbreaker, and most likely would have been if Blake hadn't immediately made up for it with the 'I love you.'

He hated the thought of breaking up with him – whether he truly did love him or not – but it was now really starting to sink in just how much Scott couldn't stand Blake. And if being with Blake was hurting him in any way, then it just wasn't worth it.

Especially not after Mitch had spent almost an entire year in misery because of Scott dating Lucas. It wasn't the same situation, but regardless, Mitch would never forgive himself if he put Scott through anything even remotely similar.

Mitch was incredibly quiet and out of it for the rest of the date, even despite how sweet Blake was being towards him. He felt incredibly guilty when he turned down Blake's offer to get ice cream after the movie was over, and even worse when he turned down Blake's second offer for him to stay the night at his apartment.

He just needed some time to think things through by himself. Which was why he ended up taking a page out of Scott's book; lying to Blake by telling him that he was sick just so he would take him straight home.

"I'm really sorry that you're feeling so crappy, babe. It sucks that our night was cut short," Blake said sweetly as they stood outside of the door to Mitch and Scott's room. "I hope you feel better soon."

Mitch forced a small smile. He had already been feeling horrible enough about all of the self doubts he was having, and now he just felt even worse for lying to Blake. "I know," he agreed. "Thank you. I'm sorry again."

"Don't be," Blake replied simply. He leaned down and gave Mitch a kiss. "I love you," he hummed.

Mitch really wished that he felt as elated as he had been the first time Blake had said those words. "You too," he breathed out. "I'll see you tomorrow."

With that, he disappeared into his and Scott's room. He let out a deep sigh as soon as the door was shut.

"You alright?"