Brevity is the soul of wit.  Just remember that lol - Seriously I wrote this in a rush so i apologize that it's a mess and short and ... a bit scattered, but i figured just posting it was better than waiting a couple of days to finish out a more lengthy version

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~*Present*~

“Well, well... look who’s still alive.”  He smirked from his spot on the couch as the blonde appeared, moving zombie-like towards him. 

“I actually feel pretty okay, all things considered.” 

Mitch raised an eyebrow as he sipped his coffee and watched his friend plop down and sprawl out on the couch next to him, eyeing the Starbucks cup in his hand for a couple of minutes. He had a distant look as if he was remembering days past.

He was and the memories made the blonde’s heart ache to go back in time. 

He finally managed to avert his eyes and then stood right back up. “I should get dressed, and go find food.” He laughed as Wyatt ran up, hopping up a bit to rub himself against his former co-owner’s leg. “Hey you.” Scott scooped him up and cuddled him into his arms, kissing his little head and letting him rub his face against his chin. He smiled, “I missed you too.” He headed for the guest room, Wyatt still in his arms, but was stopped by the sound of Mitch’s voice. 

“Smurf.” 

The sleepy blonde turned back to him.  “Your coffee is in the fridge, food’s on the counter.”  It had been so strange ordering for two when he’d been ordering for one for so long now. But, honestly, it felt like home. The answering, teeth-baring smile he got in return made his insides melt all over again. He hated that after all this time Scott still felt so familiar, could still manipulate him without even trying to. He hated that he wasn’t even sure who he was without his best friend. So much of his life had revolved around Scott and his crazy ideas and weirdly creative brain; the Sing-Off, the miracle of finding Kevin & Avi, moving to LA, moving in together… all Scott. It was odd being excluded from those ideas now, and maybe just a bit painful (in truth, excruciatingly painful). 

There was no going back now. This was his new life and he was just starting to get the hang of it. No one missed the past more than he did, but that’s all it was…  the past. Scott just kept coming back to remind him and make it that much harder to let go of. He had to create his own future somehow, without this man, no matter how much it hurt. 

_

The day was rather mundane, but at the same time, the most fun either had had in ages. They went to see a really, really bad movie and, since they were the only ones in the theater, they entertained themselves by adding really bad commentary.

Afterwards they headed to Chipotle to eat, but a few fans got a bit too excited so they decided to take it on the go. It was just as well, they couldn’t let loose and be their obnoxious selves out in public anyway. They ended up spread out on the floor around Mitch’s coffee table, some unknown cartoon as background noise as they talked about random things and told dumb stories. Scott’s face was red, and his stomach hurt from laughing so hard. 

Mitch grinned as he watched the weight slip from around the other man’s eyes for the first time in way too long. He didn’t want to comment on the fact that Scott’s phone had been practically ringing off the hook all day, and Scott had only frowned and hit the button to ignore it before eventually putting it on mute after about the 5th interruption. He briefly wondered what Scott was running from, but figured it was probably a multitude of things. They kept the conversation light, simple, and hours had passed before they even realized it. 

Mitch checked the time and his eyes widened. “Damn, Ellie, how did your stomach not clue us in that it was dinner time already!?” 

Scott raised an eyebrow. “Seriously!?” 

“I thought you were getting a bit feisty.” He smirked at Scott who rolled his eyes with a sideways smile. 

Mitch smirked, but his realization of the time also brought on a realization that Scott showed no sign of leaving anytime soon. So much for his date with cute bartender guy. Oh well!  There would be other tall dark and handsomes in his future. He would much rather spend the night with tall, blonde and handsome, even if there was no chance he’d get the same ending that he most likely would have with hottie bartender.  

He shot off a text to the guy to let him know he would have to take a raincheck and while he was at it checked the 3 messages that Kirstie had sent him. He tried not to smile or laugh at them, knowing Scott would get inquisitive. That would put quite the damper on their carefree conversation. 

But it probably wouldn't matter. He knew there was more to Scott showing up than just a friendly visit, there always was. He was worried about Scott’s reasoning, worried about Scott in general, but he knew that his friend would never come clean until he was ready. He knew that all he could do was be there, and wait.

He was cool with waiting. He was 100% sure he wasn’t ready for that conversation anyway. 

“So, dinner.” He put his phone on the coffee table and sat back on the couch.

“I could cook?” 

“You could also set my apartment building on fire. I vote negative on that.” 

“C’mon, I am a good cook.” 

“You really wanna cook?” 

Scott hesitated and looked at him. “You’re better at it.” 

Mitch laughed and shook his head. “Lazy ass.” 

“Now I want Japanese.” 

Mitch shook his head as he got up to retrieve the menus from the kitchen and dropped them down in front of Scott. 

“Alright, choose. I’m gonna pour a glass. Feeling thirsty?”

Scott looked up, opening his mouth to make a suggestive comment, but then immediately shut it, a part of him closing off again. 

Mitch rolled his eyes at Scott’s hesitation. “I’ll pour two.” He turned and disappeared into the kitchen. 

Fu¢k Alex.  Fu¢k him and this stupid rift he’d caused. 

He took his time pouring them each a glass of wine.  He drank all of his before repouring again. 

Just be patient and listen. Things will get better. 

He took a deep breath and rejoined his friend in the living room. 

“Did ya make a choice?” 

Scott was watching him, eyes locked, his expression serious.  It made Mitch’s insides shift as he set the glass down in front of him. 

“Can we talk? Real talk?” 

Mitch knew it was coming. He’d been mentally prepping himself since Scott had randomly shown up on his doorstep. 

“Can we order first? You know mommy needs food and libations before heavy thinking.” 

Scott nodded slowly but words sat on his tongue, just waiting to be said.

“Once we eat I promise we can talk about whatever you want to.” 

“I’m gonna hold you to that.” 

Mitch swallowed under the intense gaze of his friend. 

Drink up. It’s gonna be a long night.