The next few days passed in a blur for Scott. Mitch came to visit alone on Monday because Sara-Beth was going to be prepping Scott for trial Tuesday.

Mitch entered the room and immediately circled the table to latch onto Scott.

"Hey babes, how are you? Enjoying your suspension?"
"I think I've done more work during this suspension than I did when I was actually in school."
"They're letting you make up work?"
"Yea."
"They never let me do that. That's part of the reason my grades suck."
"Your grades don't suck Scottie. And Mr. Ward said you've been doing okay with your school work here."
"I have actually. It helps that there's literally nothing else to do."
"I'm sure that would be a big help."
"I miss my personal tutor though."
"He'll be waiting with piles of homework when you get out."
"I'm sure he will be."
"Are you ready for Wednesday?"
Scott lost his grin, "absolutely not."
"Sara-Beth will be here tomorrow to make sure you know what to do."
"I know what to do Mitch. I've been through this all before. I'm just not ready for the verdict."
"It's going to be o..."
"No, don't tell me it's going to be okay Mitch. I know you believe that but I'm just not as optimistic."
"It will be Scott. No matter the outcome."

There was a pregnant pause while Scott stared down at his and Mitch's clasped hands. Mitch could see the drops of water hitting the table, Scott's tears that he was trying to hide.

"I'm scared Mitchie. Like fucking terrified."
"Scott, look at me... I'm serious look at me... let me see those ocean eyes baby."

Scott hesitantly looked up, eyes red as he sniffles trying to hold back tears.

"Oh Scottie! I promise you don't need to be scared I'll be right there with you."
"I'm sorry I'm being a fucking pussy. I've been through this before, I shouldn't be scared... but I am."
"I will be there with you the whole time. So will Sara-Beth, Summer, Kyle, and Amber. All of us will be there. You're not going through this alone."
"What happens if I'm convicted? What then? That's like three years in prison Mitch."
"Scott let's not think about that."
"We have to. It's a very real possibility... and if it happens I don't want you to feel obligated..."
"Obligated? Scott do you really think that's how I feel?"
"Yes... I mean no... I don't know... I just want to make sure you know I'd understand if you couldn't handle it. I love you so much, I'd let you go if it meant you'd be happy."
By this time Mitch was bawling. "Unconditionally Scott, that's what I told you. You have quite literally saved my life. I'm not leaving you. Even if you asked me to leave I don't think I would. I'm too selfish and I love you too much Scott Richard Hoying!"
"I love you too Mitchell Coby Michael Grassi, so god damn much."

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

Kevin and Avi were sitting on the floor in their cell facing each other. Thankfully Scott had gotten called to visitation after dinner because they got to have a bit of time with just the two of them. Kevin had his legs stretched out in front of him but Avi had his knees pulled up to his chin. They had been having idle conversation but most they were just taking each other in.

"Kevin, how many days?"
"64."
"Dammit." Avi hugged his knees closer to him as he let his tears fall.
"Hey baby, please don't cry. When you cry it makes me want to cry."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry. I understand, it sucks."
"It does... and I happy and sad and confused and frustrated..."
"I get it, I'm conflicted too, though I'm not really feeling any happiness."
"You're getting out Kevin, why aren't you happy? After 8 months, you'll be home, with your family."
"And without you."
"Don't think about me."
"How can I not? You are my family now Avi, more so than the father that can't accept me. I know it's only been a few months but we've spent more time together than most married couples."
Avi giggled, "yea, we have..."
"Avriel Benjamin Kaplan, I am completely and utterly in love with everything single piece of you, even the pieces I haven't gotten a chance to see. And in 64 days I have to walk out of here and leave you. And I am dreading that more than anything."
"I love you too Kevin Oluwole Olusola. And I'm dreading it too. But I'm happy you don't have to be locked up in here anymore."
"You know I'd gladly stay right here with you if I could."
"I don't want you to do that. Go, enjoy your freedom. Just come visit me, please?"
"Of course sweetheart. Everyday if I can. Now let's stop talking about it for now. I don't want us to be depressed, I want to enjoy every second of these last 64 days with you."
"Okay. I love you Kevy."
"I love you too Av."

Avi stretched his legs out so now they were positioned on either side of Kevin's. He used one foot to subtly rub his boyfriend's thigh. Both grinning widely as they enjoying their time in each other's presence.