Hi :) 

You've got this by now <3  

Mitch = Italics = MEEEEE

Scott = Bolds = Sreed09 AKA Sarahhhh :) 

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Mitch whistled to himself as he sipped his coffee. He'd just opened the store and was taking the time to reread Sam's comments on his journal from the night before. 

He had forced himself to stay off of the chat after his movie with Kirst so he could get in a last minute cram session for a test he had later that day, but he did make time to leave Sam a little message.

You know you would sit through the scariest movie with me if I paid you in cuddles. Don't even lie :-P Besides, if you don't cuddle with me maybe I'll just have to find Alex again. 

Green is a good color on you. 

<3 Sunshine

He had gone back and forth in his head whether or not he wanted to see if Sam wanted to meet soon. He was dying to see him in person. He didn't care what he looked like, only that he wasn't really a douche in sweethearts clothing.

He wouldn't be.  He just knew it.

But wouldn't it be nice if he looked even half as yummy as Mr. Perfect? Oooo that was a happy thought. Imagine Sam and Mr. Perfect mushed into one perfect package. The thought that launched a thousand fantasies.

Once he'd gotten his daily dose of Sam (and given himself some yummy daydreams) he decided to do actual work and pulled a cart of new books to the back shelf to put away.

That's when his day slid sideways.

He was bending to put a book in its place when hands gripped his hips and he spun around pushing the perv backwards. 

Jon just laughed his stupid laugh and looked Mitch from head to toe just as he always did.

"Jesus Christ, are you crazy!? You gave me a fücking heart attack." 

"Aww, sorry baby. Just thought you were all bent over just for me."

Mitch wrinkled his nose and took a step back as Jon stepped towards him again. "Seriously. You need to back up. What do you even want!?" He tried to sound confident as he attempted to sidestep around the disgusting man, but an arm on the cart next to him blocked him off. 

"You know what I want, Mitchie. I know you want it too."

He knew he was about to be in trouble when Jon boxed him in and stepped closer. 

"This isn't funny, ok! Just leave me alone." He pushed at him but the larger boy just laughed and grabbed his upper arms to press him against the bookshelf. He tried to squirm away, but he just didn't have the strength.

"These glasses just hide your pretty face. Let's just get rid of those." 

He couldn't grab them in time and Jon had pulled the glasses he'd decided on that morning off of his face and tossed them to the floor. "Please let me go."

He couldn't even pretend to be confident... not when he knew he had no chance of overpowering the other. Was this really about to happen to him!? Jon pushed himself against him and he absolutely knew it was. He was terrified.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" 

Another voice caught their attention and Mitch could have cried at the sight of Mr. Perfect standing there.

"Mind your own business." Jon barely spared him a glance. 

Mitch recoiled, closing his eyes as tight as he could, a whimper escaping him as Jon leaned in.

He opened his eyes just as Jon was being forcibly pulled off of him and held against the opposite bookcase by a very angry, very gorgeous Mr. Perfect. He looked ready to murder.

"How about you keep your hands to yourself." 

The perv just began to laugh. "He was begging for it."

The blonde drew his arm back, ready to punch that smug grin off of the bastards face but two hands wrapped around his arm to stop him. 

"Don't!" Mitch begged with large doe eyes. "I don't want you to get in trouble."

He watched that chiseled jaw set for just a moment before he let his arm fall and pushed Jon towards the front of the shop. "Stay away from him." 

Jon backed away, straightening his shirt and laughing all the way. He shot Mitch a wink. "See you later, Mitchie."

Mitch hugged himself and looked at his feet, still processing the whole thing. 

"Are you ok?" 

He looked up as his savior held out his glasses. He took them and put them back on his face where they belonged. He wasn't sure why he felt embarrassed by the ordeal, but he did. If his dream guy thought he was a freak before he probably REALLY thought he was a freak now.

"I'm fine. Thank you... for that." 

"You should report him."

Mitch just shook his head, wishing he'd worn a long sleeved shirt to tuck his hands into. "I just want to forget about it"

"Your arm is pretty red. Are you sure you're ok?" 

Mitch wanted to tell him it was ok.. that he didn't have to pity him, but he kinda liked the pretty stranger's attention on him, even if it was pity. "Yeah."

They stood in silence for a bit, neither really knowing what to say. 

"I'm sorry about Alex yesterday, too. He doesn't think sometimes."

"It's fine. At least he was nice about it." He gave a half smile to the man he'd dreamed about so many times. His knight in Beyoncé merch. "Nice shirt." 

The guy looked confused for a second and looked down at his On the Run shirt and a smile slid up his lips. "Beyoncé is queen."

"Yeah, she is."

"I'm Scott." 

He blinked a couple of times as he realized that Mr. Perfect finally had a name. Scott. Perfect name for a perfect man.

"I'm Mitch. Sorry about the whole bird and ant thing. I just ... sometimes my brain isn't fast enough to catch my mouth before I make a fool of myself." He pressed his lips together, that nervous energy still sitting in his chest.

Scott laughed, eyes crinkling as he did. "It's fine. Who knew anting was a thing." 

"You googled it."

"Totally." 

They laughed a bit.

"New glasses?"

"No. I've just been wearing my contacts and felt like giving my eyes a break today."

"I like them."

"Thanks." Mitch looked over as a couple of girls came into the book shop. "Well, I should um... get back I guess." 

"Right. I should get my coffee." Scott nodded.

"Thank you, again for the whole...saving me thing." 

"You're welcome."

Mitch felt like a lovestruck teen as he awkwardly nodded and turned to head back to the register. He watched Scott from the corner of his eye blushing and quickly looking away when he was caught. A couple of the girls in the shop asked him a few questions but were still chatting and perusing as Mr. Perfect came to pay for his coffee.

It was still a mostly silent transaction as Mitch was still caught somewhere between upset, embarrassed and nervous. 

As he handed Scott the change and their eyes met he went a little weak in the knees at the smile he aimed at him.

"I hope the rest of your day goes better."

He couldn't stop his own dimpled smile as he watched him head for the door. 

"Oh, and Mitch? You look really nice today."

And then he was gone... leaving Mitch to somehow calm his dancing heart. 

-------

He lay in bed that night, paranoid and so confused. 

He wasn't sure he wanted to log the day. He'd much rather forget and move on. He didn't want Sam to worry about him but if he didn't write anything then he would probably still worry. It was nice having a 'Sam' to consider, but he was just a bunch of words somewhere in cyberspace... for now.

Scott... 

He released a sigh that was a mix of dreamy and frustrated. Mr. Perfect was a person... a person with a name and a physical body.. a very perfect, very dream worthy body. It was stupid but he still felt connected to him somehow. It was likely his own brain creating something where there was nothing, but his heart still fluttered at the thought of him. He still went all googly eyed and lost all brain function when he was around.

But Sam...

He'd seen his secrets, a side of him he wasn't always proud of and yet still he was there. He hadn't run away yet and every time he thought of the other boy it brought a smile to his face. Sam was important now. Sam meant something... 

Even Mr. Perfect couldn't send him into a puddle of happy the way Sam could. Only his mystery friend could reduce him to a smiley, cheesy, sappy mess.

As much as he still would give his left arm to have a chance at Mr. Per- no. Scott. He had a name now. Sam still meant more. 

He'd been honest with Sam so far... and he wanted to keep it that way. He'd cut down on his happy romantic, sexy thoughts on Scott... just so he wouldn't get jealous, but he'd give him the general gist of it.

If he wanted an open and honest relationship with this guy then he had to trust him with his fears and insecurities. 

He took a deep breath and opened up his laptop. He knew it wasn't going to be easy.

10/2/15

I don't know where to start.

Part of me doesn't want to even type this. I guess I'm worried it's going to feel ... more real after I do. I mean you hear about shít on the news and read it but don't think it would ever happen to you.

I don't know why the human mind works the way it does, why I feel embarrassed when I did nothing wrong. 

Alright. Here it is.

So, I went to the shop this morning, just like every morning. I went to put some books away in the back and I didn't even hear him he just... appeared. 

I mean, Skeezy Jon has always been skeezy but he's never laid a hand on me like that. It was terrifying. Like I was watching myself in some movie and yelling at myself to scream for help or fight or anything... but I couldn't. It was like ... all I felt was panic and fear and ... I couldn't do anything.

He cornered me and I tried to get him to leave me alone but he just grabbed my arms and pressed himself against me.

I have never felt so afraid or helpless in my life.

Thank God and Heaven and whatever deity wants to listen that Mr. Perfect showed up. It was like a romance novel... He showed up just in time to save me and I am crying right now because I don't want to know what would have happened if he hadn't.

He was so nice about it and didn't judge me or be anything but ... well.. perfect.

His name is Scott by the way. I said actual words this time...you'd be so proud.

My roommate is gone for the weekend so I shouldn't even be worried about running into Jon again, but I'm sitting here in my bed and I keep glancing at the door like he's gonna come through it. It's really stupid and I just...

I'm sorry. This is ... i don't even want to think about it anymore. 

So.

Cuddles. I could really use some right about now. I guess I'll just close my eyes and imagine you're here to keep me safe. That helps actually. 

My life is such a mess. I'm sorry you got all of this mess that is me dumped in your lap.

I guess I should try to sleep. I'm sorry I didn't chat I just had a lot on my mind.

Sleep Sweet Sam <3

~me

____________

Scott had to force himself not to check his phone every five minutes that night. He knew Mitch was out, but he was still hoping for something from him and basically fell asleep waiting.

He decided that morning that his new favorite way to wake up was having a message from Mitch. He still was unsure about the boundaries, the Sam/Scott flirting thing, but at this point, Mitch wasn't holding back and neither should he.

Okay rude, and good morning to you too sunshine. Green is definitely not a good color on me, more of a red, and all I have to say is yes I would like cuddles from such an HPA. Save some for me.

<3 Sam

He wanted desperately to actually be with Mitch, as Scott, not Sam, but he felt like he was in so deep, he wasn't sure how this would work out now. As much as he smiled at the chats and the journals, his heart ached a little every time, knowing that Mitch was technically flirting with someone else. It was confusing and his mind was always spinning in circles.

His thoughts came to a halt when he walked in the store and Mitch wasn't anywhere to be found. He knew Mitch was awake, he'd sent the message earlier that morning, so he had to be there somewhere. Who gets up that early for no reason? He heard a thud from the back of the store and made his way over, being the nosy person he is.

He didn't like what he saw.

Mitch was cornered by some skeezeball and he did not look happy about it. Scott waited a minute to see what would happen, watching the guy take off Mitch's glasses and toss them. But when he heard Mitch practically whimper out a 'Please let me go,' and then the guy basically grind on him, something flipped a switch in his brain. There was no way that guy was getting away with that. No one was allowed to hurt Mitch. Not that he could understand who would want to hurt him in the first place. He was like a kitten. Okay maybe a sex kitten, but that's besides the point.

He thought he would just say a few words, scare the guy off. He didn't, however, consider the guy would blatantly tell him off and do it with a sly grin on his face. And he really didn't consider wanting to pummel the guy until he was nothing more than a pile of bones. Which he would have, had Mitch not asked him not too with his sad eyes. It all just happened so fast.

He had never in his life been so angry and disgusted at someone before. He was literally seeing red and fuming. He had to clench his jaw and his fists, take a few breaths before letting the sorry excuse of a man go. Although he almost didn't when the jackass said he'd see Mitch later. That sounded like a threat to Scott and he wasn't going to take that lightly. He watched the guy walk out the store before he turned to Mitch. He felt bad for making a scene, but when he saw Mitch his heart broke a little and that brought his mind back down to earth.

He honestly felt bad for Mitch. He looked so upset, so scared...which he had every reason to be. No one should ever have to be in a situation like that, or feel so.. Helpless. Scott just wanted to hug him and comfort him, but knew that would be out of line at the moment. Mitch probably didn't want to be touched by anyone after that. But boy did he want too. He grabbed Mitch's glasses off the floor and went to make sure he was okay. As okay as you can be after that anyways. He was genuinely concerned for Mitch and not sure what to do to really help him.

Scott was more than happy that Mitch started to carry a conversation with him. Not Sam this time, him. And it was a normal back and forth conversation. Though the ants were brought up, Mitch seemed smitten that he had actually googled that idea.

Once Mitch seemed to have calmed down, Scott had the chance to really look at him again. He had to admit, the glasses looked good and so did those dimples. He was smiling and that's all Scott could ask for. Unfortunately their time was cut short by the same pretentious group of girls as last time. He got his coffee, and this time, made sure he didn't leave without telling him he looked nice.

That had to have made up for when he attempted to talk to Mitch last time.

The rest of the day passed by without Scott really being mentally present for it. His mind and his heart were stuck on Mitch. He was back to checking his phone every few minutes. He knew Mitch would tell Sam and he wanted to be ready to read that. He also knew Mitch wouldn't tell him if he really wasn't okay, but he would tell Sam, so it was important to him that he checked for Mitch's journal.

He was right, and when he read it it broke his heart. Instead of commenting, Scott messaged him. This was an actual conversation kind of topic.

-------

Mitch are you okay? I feel like that's stupid to ask because hello, probably not, but still. I'm so sorry you had to go through that. Let me know if you need anything okay? I'm always here to listen <3

Also, I'm glad he was there to help you. And I don't like you being alone right now, maybe you could call Kirstie for company or something.

-------

Mitch couldn't sleep. Every time he finally slid into slumber the nightmare of what happened in the bookstore would be replayed in varying scenarios and he'd be wide awake once again. After the third attempt in which Mr. Perfect hadn't been there to save him in his nightmare, that was it and he gave up on the prospect all together.

He turned on his laptop and navigated to netflix, but first checked the chat. The words Sam left for him made him smile, but at the same time tears slid down his cheeks. 

Could Sam be any sweeter? He wished he'd taken the time to chat with him earlier, maybe it would have eased his mind a little more. It was too late to worry about it, the clock on the top right corner of his screen reading 1:17 AM. For now he'd just send back a reply ... but what to say?

I'm okay. At least, I think I am. I tried to sleep but nightmares are an evil fact of life. I'll get over them soon. 

I thought about calling Kirstie earlier but I don't want to worry her. Also I like her best when she's not in jail for murder which I'm sure she would be if she found out about what he did. So no.. no telling Kirstie .. at least for now.

Just you. I trust you... a lot. Maybe that's really stupid of me to do, but it feels right.

Thank you for being so sweet to me, for being concerned. I don't know that you realize how much your words mean to me. 

I mean, it's stupid that I'm so worked up over this, he didn't really get a chance to do anything, but I can't help it. Thanks for not laughing at me or making me feel like it was my fault. I mean, I know it's not, but still...

Just.. thank you. Again. Times a 10000.

Hopefully we can chat in the morning. Until then I'll imagine you're here cuddling next to me while I try to find something good to marathon on Netflix. Too bad you're not around for suggestions.

The sun'll come out tomorrow.

<3 me

-------

Scott had been tossing and turning all night. He'd decided to stay in, bailing on his usual Friday night antics, in hopes that Mitch would respond, letting him know how he was. He didn't want to miss it if he did. He tried to distract himself, doing homework, watching tv, even cleaning up his room, which if you know Scott, that doesn't happen often. But he had yet to hear from the boy. He was concerned to say the least. So he turned the volume on his phone all the way up and attempted sleep, with no success. That is until, of course, as soon as he started to doze around 1 something, his phone went off.

He felt a sense of pride, seeing Mitch say that he trusted him, or Sam, so deeply. And he so wished he could be there to cuddle him, maybe help take his nightmares away.

It's absolutely not stupid to be worked up over that, and you're right, it absolutely wasn't your fault.

And I'm honored that you trust me so much, really.

I hope the sun comes out tomorrow because I need some sunshine in my life.

If I was there cuddling you, we'd probably be watching some cartoon, like sponegbob, or family guy.

Just when I think you can't get more perfect. Spongebob is my favorite. Too bad netflix ruined my life by taking it off of streaming. I think I'm going to go with Emperor's New Groove... Y'know. .. Disney but not the sad kind.

I figure it's safe. Though, when we do actually cuddle I hope you're more comfortable than this body pillow is but I'm sure you are.

God I would kill for some wine right now.

Remind me to get you sponegbob on dvd so you don't have to rely on Netflix. Emperor's New Groove is a solid choice though. I applaud you.

And I'm basically a 6'3 personal heater, so, I'd like to think I'm more comfortable than a body pillow.

I didn't take you for the wine type, but I'll remember that.

Ooo 6'3"? Perfect cuddle size. And I am 100% a wine kinda girl, especially on nights like this. My brain doesn't always know when to shut up. 

I really do hope we can meet soon. Cuddling imaginary you isn't quite as comforting as I'm guessing cuddling real you would be. I mean, 6'3" sounds pretty much like a safe haven right now.

But I need to stop being scared. There's no point. I'm safe in my room with the door locked. 

Oh God what about when I have to go out tomorrow? What if I see him?

No. It'll be fine. I'll be out in public and everything will be fine.

I can come with you. If that helps. It can be the big day we finally meet.

-----

Scott had typed out and sent that before he could even register what was happening.

"What the hell did I just do?" He mumbled out loud to himself.

He wasn't ready. Sure the thought of meeting Mitch as Scott sounded nice, it sounded great, but he couldn't do it. What would Mitch do when he found out Sam was really Mr. Perfect? Freak out. Just like he was freaking out right now. To make matters worse, Mitch seemed to be taking a while to answer. Did he not want to meet him? Was he being too forward? Maybe it was too soon for him too. He tried to come up with something else to give Mitch an out, so he could reject the idea if he wanted.

-----

Or...you know, you could ask Kirstie to go with you too. Whatever you're comfortable with. It's okay.

No, no... I would much rather you come... if you don't mind? Sorry if I sound eager I just.. really want to meet you. It wouldn't have to be a big thing if you didn't want it to be. Maybe we could start with coffee? You said you like coffee... so .. maybe Starbucks? 

If you want to check out after that I'll deal. I just want to hug you..

Ok, you probably think that was weird. I didn't mean in a creepy way just ... to thank you for everything.

And partially just cause I want to.

I was hoping you'd say yes, because I'd really like to meet you too. And have my giant self give you a hug, especially after the day you had.

Starbucks it is.