A/n: Kind of short and a lot of dialogue but here's an update. Like and comment please! I'd love the feedback! -AV

PS: All these Superfruit music videos ❤️ and Kirstie's EP 💙

Mitch woke up for school as usual. However, today, in contrast to the previous week, he took a bit more time into his routine. He straightened his hair, put on concealer, and choose an outfit that he would have chosen had Scott been waiting downstairs. He left the house fully intent on driving himself to school today but saw Jeremy's car in the driveway. He walked over and immediately hopped in the back.

"Well someone seems happier today." Kirstin noticed.
"Not quite happy but better. I saw him yesterday." Mitch couldn't help the smile that spread across his face.
"How is he Mitchy?" Jeremy questioned.
"He seems fine. He kept saying how much he wishes he was out. I think he's honestly okay. I know he's having a hard time, probably harder than me. But I think he'll be okay."
"That's good!" Kirstie answered.
"Yea, he seemed to be in a better place than I am, which makes zero sense because I have y'all and my family and he doesn't really have that."
"But he's a strong person, he'll be fine. And so will you."
"Yea, we will both be okay."

At school, Mitch said goodbye to his friends and walks to Ms. Cook's room. He still hears the snickering of the kids around him but he does his best to ignore them.

"Good morning Mitch! How are you today?" Ms. Cook greets when he enters the classroom.
"I'm okay Ms. Cook."
"Good! I'm glad."
"I... uhhh... I can't thank you and everyone else enough for everything you've done for not only Scotty but me as well."
"Oh, no thanks necessary. You two are like little brothers to us. We're happy to help."
"Still thank you, it means a lot."
"Well you're welcome. Are you planning on going back up to Dallas soon?"
"As soon as I can actually."
"I figured. We're all driving back up tomorrow afternoon. You're welcome to join us if Mike and Nel don't mind."
"Thank you! I'll ask."
"Again you're welcome. Your assignment is on the board if you want to get started, the bell should be ringing soon."
Mitch just smiles as he got out his notebook.

At lunch, Mitch decided to skip the cafeteria, choosing to go to the choir room and write his daily letter to Scott instead. However, when he turned to enter the arts hallway, he saw a tall blonde exiting the visual arts room. Alex smirked as he walked past Mitch, shoving him into the wall, and whispering "it's not over" barely audible. Mitch got the point though before he stood and ran breathlessly to the choir room.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Scott spent the day close to Avi, trying his best to comfort the boy. Avi hadn't been himself all day. He was inside his head and Scott could tell. At lunch, he decided to question his bearded friend, hoping that talking would ease Avi out of his sorrow.

"What's up man?"
"What do you mean Scott?"
"You know damn well what I mean. You've been out of it all day."
"Well..."
"Well... out with it."
"Out with what? You're confusing the hell out of me right now."
"Just what's on your mind Avi. I know you aren't really much of a talker but sometimes it helps to vent you know."
"I know."
"Soooo........"
"I'm just thinking about him you know. I know he's crazy because he was just with me a few hours ago but I miss him. And I worry about him. I know what it's like down in solitary. It's not fun. And it's not fair he's there instead of me."
"He took the punishment for a reason Av. He knew you couldn't get in trouble again. He did it for you. You know if the situation was reversed, you'd have done the same thing."
"But it's not fair Scott."
"I know it's not but it is what it is and you have to deal with it for now."
"Doesn't mean I have to like it."
Scott cracked a smile, "no it certainly doesn't."
"Scott..."
"Yea, do you think we'll make it? Kevin and me?"
"Of course, he'll be back tomorrow. You'll be fine."
"I'm talking about in a few weeks when he get out dummy."
"Ohhhh... I think so. I think you two definitely need to talk about it. Thankfully y'all will get that chance, Mitchie and I didn't. But I think you two love each other, I think that's enough to make it work."
"Yea, I guess you're right. But we've spent nearly everyday for the past three months together. It's going to be hard when he just isn't here anymore."
"There's always visitation Avi. You'll have to get your parents to sign off though. Are you out yet?"
"Not to my parents. My sister and brother know I'm pan. I'm not sure how my parent will react though. Which honestly, I could have done worse things. I mean hell, I'm in juvy right now."
"True. Hopefully they won't care. And if they do you can crash with me when you get out. I doubt the quartet will care."
"Quartet?"
"Nickname I've given my new guardians. They're awesome."
"You know Scott, I've only known you for a little while but I'm glad you got put with us. You've been a great friend to me and Kevy."
"I can say the same about the two of you."
"Yea yea. Now can we stop with the sappy talk? It's making this slop taste worse I think."
"Sure sure."