Scott was deep in his own misery. Some days were better than others. This day, so far, had been one of the not so good days. 

He heard the door click open. 

He knew it was Mitch without even looking up. Mitch was the only person that didn’t knock or announce himself.  Mitch was the only person who visited every single day. Mitch was the only person Scott had found himself unable to snap at. 

“What’s up?” he finally raised his eyes to the other boy.

Mitch shrugged a bit and sat down in front of him. 

He had been there for six weeks now. All of his clients absolutely adored him, but Mitch never really got close to anyone. He didn’t really talk other than when he was instructing, but clients were doubling up sessions and adding extra days. He’d become increasingly popular. 

Scott would find himself just going down the hallway to sit outside of the room he was working in and just listen to the sound of his voice. He wanted to book a session for himself, but no… he didn’t sing anymore. So for now he’d just listen to Mitch and enjoy his company when he could.

He smiled up at the man who currently sat in front of him playing with the stapler from his desk. 

“Having fun?” Scott smirked. 

Mitch returned his smirk. “Well actually...” he shot a staple over towards Scott, purposely missing him.

Scott’s mouth hung open, “You better quit while you’re ahead…” 

“Oh, should I?” he laughed and shot another. 

“Mitch, c’mon….” Scott still couldn’t help the smile on his face. Mitch was soooo random. He was always just completely unpredictable, but it always made him smile, even when he felt like he could never smile again. 

His visits never had a purpose. He would just show up, sit for a bit and then leave. 

Mitch was weird. Ok, maybe not weird…

Mitch was UNUSUAL… probably the most unusual creature he’d ever come across. 

When he was there in the office with Scott he was bright, cheery and playful. When he was out there, when he was amongst everyone else, he shut off….kinda like Scott himself. Everything out there was business.

It had taken quite a while, but Scott was pretty sure he’d finally figured out why Mitch was the only person that could get him to talk. 

He didn’t ask for anything in return. He didn’t assume anything… he never wanted to ask him if he was ok, or ask him if he wanted to talk about it, or tell him that everything was going to be fine. 

Mitch was just… Mitch.

He was just living in his own little, strange world, not really concerned with what Scott was doing or why he was the way he was. 

Scott wondered sometimes if Mitch had gone through something like he had. He wondered if he had been hurt in such a way that he became like this, like Scott. He wondered if that’s why Mitch only seemed to relax around him.

He wanted to ask, but that would just lead to more questions, so he kept his own to himself. 

Mitch was watching him again, almost scrutinizing him.

“You look hungry.” 

Scott blinked a couple of times. “How does someone LOOK hungry?” he laughed at the absurdity. 

Mitch simply shrugged, with a tilt of his head and a secret smile. He did that a lot. 

“I don’t know. You just do.” 

Scott shook his head with a smile. 

“Well if I look hungry, then you look like you’re STARVING. I swear you must not ever eat.” 

Mitch smirked, voice full of sass “I can’t help it I’m skinny.” 

“Are you calling me fat?!” 

“Did I say you were fat?” and there was the eyebrow. Scott had a fascination with his eyebrows. He’d never seen anyone with such an expressive face, and Scott’s theory was that it was because Mitch’s eyebrows had as much, if not more, of an ability to get his point across as his mouth did.

“Well, you need to eat a cupcake, or 10.” 

“Your body is perfect. The perfect body…” Mitch shrugged. 

That was new. Mitch hadn’t ever really complimented him before. It felt nice.

“Um.. thanks.” Scott shifted a bit in his seat, not sure why Mitch’s compliment had meant so much. It was a simple statement, and Scott had worked hard to get this body, mostly because letting frustration out at the gym was easier than crying alone at home. 

But, for some reason, when Mitch said it, it made him feel something. 

He was trying his damnedest not to feel anything, but Mitch… Mitch had been looking at his body. Why was that something he should care about? 

But he did. It just raised more and more questions. 

Scott hated questions. 

He looked up to look at Mitch who had stopped playing with the stapler and had moved on to attaching the paper clips together in a chain.

As soon as their eyes met, something flickered in Mitch’s eyes and they slowly narrowed. 

“I should go home. You should eat something.” 

He stood, putting the paper clips back in their place and headed for the door again. 

Scott had the urge to call him back, to find a way to make it last, to hold on to the human interaction, but Mitch was already gone before he could finish making a decision.

His stomach rumbled out loud. 

It made Scott laugh.

I guess I am hungry…

~ 

One more night of depression.

Scott found himself crying again in the middle of the night.

He hated cooking for one. He hated the fact that no one was there to talk to over dinner. He HATED the fact that his bed was empty. 

He missed Alex more and more, and even though everyone said it would eventually get better, it only seemed to get worse. 

The longer Scott was alone the more he thought about it.  The more he missed, the more he hated himself for not being good enough to keep him,  for not being enough to make him love him. 

His mind was so fragile. Horrible thoughts soared through his mind. 

Every morning he awoke surprised that he had lived through another night. 

~

As usual he arrived at the building before anyone else. 

That’s just how it had always been, even when he HAD been singing. He enjoyed the quiet, the emptiness… 

It matched his current state. 

He used to use that time to write, to play, to sing for himself. He’d always LOVED singing. Music had been his life, his passion...

That was all gone. 

He missed it. He missed it as if it were a part of Alex and he had taken it with him.

It made Scott hate him, but anyone who has ever been hurt knows all too well that it is easy to love someone and hate them at the same time. 

He went about his usual routine, eating the breakfast he’d picked up on the way, figuring out his agenda for the day… etc. 

Everything was going just fine. 

 The door clicked open… 

 He smiled to himself, thinking that it was still early, even for Mitch.

 “Mitch I-” 

 He stopped mid-sentence as he lifted his gaze, his eyes landing on the one person he didn’t want to see. 

He just stared, unblinking, almost not able to believe his own vision. 

“Good morning, babe.” 

Scott didn’t know what to say at first.  “What are you doing here?” 

Alex moved to sit in the chair in front of him, the chair that was usually occupied by Mitch. He couldn’t help but think he was beautiful. Just looking at him made his heart ache for him. 

“I came to see you.” 

Definitely NOT the answer he’d been expecting. 

“Why?” 

“Because I miss you.” Scott didn’t know how to feel about that. He was still more than broken.

No you don’t.  He wanted to say so, but he just stared. 

“Come spend the day with me.” He said it as if nothing horrible had ever happened between them, as if everything was normal. He spoke as if he’d never broken Scott into dozens of tiny, jagged pieces.

He was almost surprised to find that he wanted to, he DESPERATELY wanted to. 

Even after everything Alex had put him through, it would just be easier to accept him again. That is, it would be easier than hurting, easier than having those horrible unhealthy thoughts,  and horrible insecurities. 

He made up his mind to go. Maybe Alex had changed his mind, maybe things were going to be ok again. 

Now, you may think Scott was crazy to even CONSIDER going anywhere with Alex after everything he’d put him through, but if you’ve ever been in love you know what he was feeling. You know what its like to love someone so much that you’d be willing to risk having your heart broken a million times over for just one more moment with them, no matter how many times they hurt you. 

That’s how Scott felt. 

Alex was right here in front of him. This was his chance. He opened his mouth to accept his offer, but the door clicked open again. 

This time it was Mitch. 

Mitch didn’t seem at all surprised to see the other occupant, in fact he acted as if he wasn’t even there. 

“Scott, can I talk to you?” 

Scott could sense urgency in the younger man’s eyes. It was a look he’d never seen there before. 

“Yeah, um, of course.” He was slightly miffed at the interruption, but Mitch was important. 

Well, he hadn’t realized that until now. Mitch was important to him. 

That was an interesting epiphany. 

“Alone?” Mitch was looking only at him and Alex’s eyes were blazing at Mitch, obviously wondering who the hell he was.

Scott stood without question and quietly followed Mitch out into the hallway. 

Mitch stared straight into his eyes. It was one of those looks, the looks that made him feel exposed. 

Mitch hardly ever turned serious around him, but he was more than serious right then. 

Don’t go. 

Scott blinked a couple of times. He swore he had heard a voice, but Mitch wasn’t talking. 

Great, now you’re hearing voices, that’s beautiful Scott. Keep your inner monologue under control.

“I need your help.” 

Scott chewed on the inside of his bottom of lip. “With what?” 

“A song. It’s really important.” 

That was what Mitch needed. THAT was what had been so urgent, a song! 

Scott felt foolish for interrupting his talk with Alex. 

“Mitch, I’m sure its fine.” 

Mitch shook his head. “Scott, please...” 

Something in Mitch’s voice made it sound like it was the most important thing to him in the world, and if Scott didn’t help him then he didn’t know what he would do. 

It was such a strange request, and such a strange urgency from Mitch, but really was anything about Mitch NOT strange?

“I don’t sing anymore.” 

Mitch’s eyes moved back and forth between his eyes, almost as if looking for a way to convince him. “I know, but its just this once. I’d owe you one? Please…?” 

Scott didn’t know why he agreed. Nothing ever made sense when it came to Mitch, but the one thing he did know was that he wanted Mitch to smile instead of looking like he was almost afraid of something. He seemed so vulnerable…  Scott just wanted to make it better.  

He couldn’t imagine what made this song so important, or why he was afraid it wouldn’t be right, but if he could help him then he would try. 

He was so worried about Mitch that he’d almost forgotten about Alex. “We can work on it tomorrow, ok?” 

“No! I mean, I really need to do it today. I -” Mitch insisted, begged with his eyes. 

“Mitch, I can’t. I have plans.” 

Scott stay….

There was that voice in his head again. 

“I’m sorry. I can’t.” 

Mitch looked so defeated, his eyes dropping to the floor. He nodded, accepting Scott’s dismissal. 

It tugged at Scott’s heartstrings. He hated seeing someone else look the way that he always felt. Had this been anyone else he would have worried for their sanity, being so worked up over a stupid song, but it wasn’t just anyone. It was Mitch, and no matter how strange things got with him, it was always ok.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, ok.” 

He wanted to change his mind when he saw the mist beginning to cloud the prisms of Mitch’s eyes, and the slump of his shoulders as he nodded and turned away. 

“Wait.” 

Mitch turned to look back at him. 

“I’ll meet you at the piano in 5.” 

That smile.... the eye crinkling, dimpled grin he received in return let him know he’d done the right thing. He felt his own smile creeping up his cheeks.

“Thanks, Scooter.” Mitch stood there for a moment, eyes watching him, before walking off down the hall. 

Scott took a deep breath. His anxiety returned as his distraction walked away. 

Alex was still in that room. 

He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair and steeled himself for what was behind that door. 

He walked in and Alex was obviously miffed, but he still shot Scott a megawatt smile.

“Hope everything’s ok.” 

Scott nodded a bit. “Mitch is- well…  There’s something I have to stay here and help him with.” 

Alex’s smile faltered.  “Can’t you do it tomorrow?” 

Scott shook his head. “We can spend the day tomorrow, it’s not a big deal.” 

Alex was not happy. Scott had always put him first. Someone else being first just WASN’T an option.

“No! You’re going to tell that guy that he can wait, and you’re going to come with me and we’re going to have fun, just us.” 

Scott would usually be the one to cave and give in to anything Alex asked, but he felt a newfound courage surge within him. 

“No, Alex, you can’t just demand something of me. You left me remember? You told me you didn’t love me.” 

“So I lied.” He didn’t even bother to try and act like it was the truth. 

“Bullshit. You have no idea what you’ve put me through. What gives you the right to just come here and pretend it didn’t happen!?” 

Alex rolled his eyes. 

“I forgot how much of a drama queen you were.” He stood. 

Scott felt the hurt run through him again. He wanted those arms around him and yet he just wanted to punch that stupid look off of Alex’s face. 

He hadn’t realized tears were sliding down his cheeks. 

“Whatever, Scott. If you’re coming, then come on. If not, then I guess it’s goodbye.” 

Scott felt so torn. Eventually he walked over and grabbed his jacket from the coat rack, but wait- 

This wasn’t his jacket, it was Mitch’s coat. He still had yet to remember to take it with him when he left.

He held it in his hands staring at it. 

“C'mon, let's go...” Alex called for him again, his hand on the doorknob. 

Scott gripped the coat in both hands and felt a calm take over him, almost as if someone was caressing his heart, alleviating the tense hold it seemed to be in. 

“No.” 

“Scott…” 

“Just go.” 

“Come on, this is-” 

“No.” 

Alex was NOT happy. He always got what he wanted. 

“It’s him isn’t it? That stupid looking guy…” 

Scott shook his head, still unable to look at him. He kept Mitch’s coat clenched between his hands. 

Alex walked over behind him and grabbed his arms, roughly pulling his back hard against his chest. 

Scott couldn't suppress the tiny gasp. He pressed his eyes shut. 

“Is he a good fuck? No… you know he’ll never know your body like i do.” His breath was hot on Scott’s ear. 

Alex’s hand slid across his chest and down his stomach.

Scott couldn’t sort what he was feeling.  He was disgusted, angry and yet this was familiar.  Those hands were familiar.

He almost leaned back into the touch, but he began to twist the fabric of the coat in his hands, wringing it like a wet cloth. 

It isn’t real. All he does is lie. I can do this. I can tell him no.

He forced his way out of Alex’s grasp. 

“Get out…” 

Alex only gave him one more look from head to toe. “Call me when you've decided to come to your senses.” 

He smiled a cruel smile and left. 

Scott should have felt broken all over again, but all he could think of at that moment was how odd Alex had become. Alex was weird and super creepy. 

It was those thoughts that sustained him, kept him from losing it, as he found his way down to Mitch. 

Mitch was sitting on the piano bench, his eyes closed. He was as still as a statue.

“You ok?” 

"Not really."

Mitch didn’t push the subject. That’s why they got along so well. 

When those eyes opened, paired with a sympathetic smile, he found himself wanting to run into his arms and just hold onto him, to cry into his chest until he could cry no more.

He wanted to, but he held himself in check. 

“So …” 

Mitch turned to the piano. “Do you want to warm up first?!”

Scott smiled and nodded. He didn’t even think too hard as he started running scales with Mitch. And when they started writing, creating, it all flowed easily. His voice was a bit rusty at first, but it didn’t take long for it all to start coming back. He lost himself in the sound of Mitch’s voice on more than one occasion, and he felt his heart begin to race every time the other boy's eyes lit up after he himself would sing a line or two. They blended perfectly.

They had been singing and writing for hours before he’d even realized the time.  

“Wait, Mitch, what happened to your clients for today?”

“I cancelled them.” 

“To work on this song?” 

Mitch nodded. 

“What is this even for anyways?” Scott couldn’t believe he’d neglected to even ask before now, but he’d been so desperate for a distraction that it hadn’t really mattered.

“For you.” 

Scott blinked a couple of times. “What do you mean for me?” 

Mitch shrugged. “You seem like you need it.” 

Scott was bewildered. Mitch’s insistence, the fact that it could ONLY be done today, how important he’d made it out to be... 

“I don’t understand.” 

“You always seem so sad. I know that when I’m sad, I sing and I write, because it always makes me feel better.” 

Mitch looked at him with complete honesty. 

It was strange, and almost disconcerting, but it also felt like a such a huge gift, the biggest anyone had ever given him.

He laughed. “We spent hours on a song that no one is ever going to hear!?” 

Mitch smiled cutely and nodded.

“You’re crazy, you know that?” 

It made his smile even brighter. “I prefer the term quirky.”

Scott found himself staring at the grinning boy in front of him. 

“Can I play this time?!” 

Mitch nodded, "Please, do" and  he stood from the bench, letting Scott take his place. 

Scott let the music flow through him, moving his fingers. He closed his eyes, letting the sound, the melody take over. He didn’t even care how he sounded as he began to sing.

He smiled to himself as the song ended. Mitch hadn’t joined in this time, but that was fine. He’d almost needed to do it on his own. He just needed to feel it, to know it was still there. He wasn’t completely broken. The music hadn't abandoned him.

He turned to the quiet boy who was just watching him keenly. He stood from the piano bench and moved to put the chair he'd previously moved out of place back where it belonged

"Mitch, this was absolutely perfect. It was 100% what I needed. I don’t-" he stepped back quickly with a tiny gasp. 

The top of his hand had accidently brushed Mitch's forearm. The boy had winced and cried out, jerking his arm quickly away, cradling it. 

The touch had been fleeting, just a gentle brush, but it had sent Scott reeling. 

He wanted to mentally examine the sparks he’d felt, but then he saw it- his eyes spotted the horrible bruise that had immediately shown up on Mitch's arm where the contact was made. 

He'd hurt him. 

I barely touched him, how did... 

Mitch hid his arm from sight, but Scott had seen it. It looked like he’d hit him with a sledgehammer.

"I didn't mean to. How did I even….?" 

Mitch was visibly shaken, but he met Scott’s eyes, the nonchalance returning slowly. "It's ok. It’s not a big deal." 

"It IS a big deal. How did I even bruise you like that?" Every instinct he had pushed him to take hold of his arm and examine it, to check and see what he could do to help him, but he was too afraid of hurting him again.

Mitch shook his head, cocking an eyebrow in a bit of confusion. "Bruise? Scott, you just shocked me." 

"Mitch, I SAW it." 

The boy looked at him like he was insane. He showed him his arm. It was blemish free. 

Scott felt absolutely crazy. He’d been so sure.

"I should go." Mitch tried to smile, but Scott could tell it was more than forced. 

Scott was confused. Obviously his mind had been playing tricks, or it was the light maybe. That had to be it. He had too much on his mind, he was finally cracking. 

He tried not to think about it again.

Even as Mitch left with a quick goodbye and a small wave, all he could seem to do was think about him and that smile, and those eyes and that voice.

Damnit! 

He rolled his eyes as he realized he had STILL forgotten to remind Mitch to take his coat.

There was always tomorrow.