The three continued to grow closer over the course of the summer. And the following year at school.

The bullying and teasing didn't get any better. But they now had Kirstin who stood up for them when they couldn't do it themselves.

That was also the year Scott had a growth spurt and had began to fill out so he wasn't so lanky. He'd always been taller than his two friends but now he was taller than most of the student body. His giant size didn't at all match the meek and mild mannered boy inside.

Mitch insisted on referring to him as a giant teddy bear. He loved the new height on his best friend, said it made him better to cuddle up with it.

Sleepovers still happened often; sometimes with Kirstie, always with Scott and Mitch.

It was during one of these duo only sleepovers that something happened.

The two were snuggled up in Scott's bed, watching Spongebob. It was late. Later than Scott's usual bedtime. The blonde was being extra affectionate but Mitch didn't mind.

An episode of the show finished but Mitch didn't click of the new one to start. Instead he closed the laptop and threw his leg of Scott's hips.

"Mitchy... what are you doing?"
"Are you uncomfortable? Should I move?"
"Not uncomfortable just very curious."
"You're cute, did you know that?"
"You're adorable, did you know that?
"You've told me once or twice."

They stared at each other taking in the moment. Each felt utterly at ease with the other.

Mitch made the decision to lean down at the precise moment Scott decided to lean up.

Rather than their lips meeting, their noses crashed together. They pulled back immediately giggling.

"Uhhh, should we try that again?" Scott suggested.
"Yea, slowly...uhh lean to the left?"
"Okay..."

They went in again, this time their lips met and moved slowly together. It was an enjoyable kiss. There weren't fireworks but it wasn't messy and at least they had hit the target this time. They stayed together only for a moment before pulling away.

"So..." Mitch pressed his best friend for his reaction.
"Sooooo.... do you want to maybe do that some more?"
"I wouldn't be opposed to it if you aren't?"
"I'm not..."
"You're not uncomfortable now are you?"
"I don't know. You're my best friend. Is it weird?"
"You started this Mitchy... and no I don't think it's weird."
"So you'd be willing to try us?"
"As long as we swear to each other that if something happens and this doesn't work out that if won't ruin our friendship... you're too important to me to lose over something like that."
"Pinky swear."

They interlocked their fingers and kissed their hands sealing the deal.

"So... Scotty... do we tell people?"
"Not yet... let's wait a bit... besides I still want to come out to my parents."
"Why haven't we don't that? Do you think any of our parents would care?"
"I don't know. But it scares me still."
"We'll wait as long as you need to."

Mitch bent back down to peck Scott's lips once more before moving off the boy's hips and back on the bed to cuddle up.

"Does this make us boyfriends now?"
"If you want it too..."
"Scott and Mitch... it has a ring to it."
"Mitch and Scott..."
"I'm older."
"I'm prettier."
"True... what do you think KitKat is going to say?"
"Freak out. You know she has a crush on you."
"Nu uh?!"
"Yea huh! She told me."
"When?"
"Like two weeks ago."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"Well... I knew you didn't like her back. You're gay. I just told her you weren't interested in a relationship."
"And she accepted that? That doesn't sound like our Kirst."
"She didn't but she said she'd back off some. And now she better back off a lot. No messing with my man!"

Scott rolled his eyes at his new boyfriend.

"We should probably sleep."
"We should. I wonder how many teenagers get to sleep with their partners?"
"Not many I'd think."
"Me either."

Mitch yawned loudly causing Scott to follow.

"Night Scotty."
"Night Mitchy."