A/n: The identification numbers are completely made up and random. Also, Scott's birthday is in 2000 because he's 17 in this story which takes place in 2017.

Also, this story is at over 900 readers and that amazes me! Please leave comments! I love reading them and they give me encouragement to write more!!

Thanks, -AV

Wednesday morning came too quickly for Mitch. He got up early, planning on riding with the quartet to the courthouse. He made himself presentable, dark red dress pants with a light grey sweater. The outfit was completed with black booties and the bracelet Scott had given him for their first anniversary.

They had purchased similar pieces of jewelry unintentionally. Scott's dog tag necklace with an M + S as well as the date they first meet engraved on one side. Mitch's bracelet, a small gold chain with two charms, again an M and an S.

Mitch smiled at the accessory. It was one of his most prized possessions.

He made his way down the stairs to the kitchen. He grabbed a banana and managed to eat the whole thing. He knew he would need all the strength he could muster today. Scott was going to need him and he had to be supportive.

He told his parents goodbye as they made their way to work, promising to keep them updated throughout the day. Then he made himself comfortable on the couch, texting Kirstie and waiting for his ride.

Mitch: Hey Kitty!
Kit: Mitchie! Babe! What's up?
Mitch: Waiting for my ride...
Kit: What's wrong?????
Mitch: Nothing
Kit: There's something, you never use ellipses unless something's wrong
Mitch: I do
Kit: No you don't, I know your texts and you don't so tell me what's wrong

Mitch debated on telling her the truth but he knew he'd break down. And he really didn't want her to worry about him, she was already worried about Scott.

Mitch: Nothing Kit, I promise
Kit: Liar
Mitch: I'm not lying

Mitch waited for her reply but it never came. Then he heard a knock at the door. He checked the time, if it was any of the teachers, they were about half an hour early. He ran to the door after another round of impatient knocks. Opening it reveal a grinning, slightly disheveled Kirst. Jeremy walked up behind her and started apologizing for his girlfriend's actions.

"I'm sorry Mitchie, she insisted on coming to check on you."
"I was wondering why she stopped replying to me."
"Hey! Don't! Either of you! I was worried Mitch. I made Jer stop on the way to school. I had to make sure you're okay."
"I told you I'm fine Kirst."
"I know I haven't known you nearly as long as Kirstin but even I can tell something's wrong Mitch." Jermey admitted.

Mitch sighed heavily.

"How long until you need to be at school?"
"About 20 minutes," Jeremy replied.
"Come in and I'll talk," Mitch lead the way to the living room and curled up in one of the recliners.
Kirstie and Jeremy sat opposite him on the loveseat.
"Nothing's really wrong. I really wasn't lying. I'm just... I don't even know how to explain what I'm feeling."
Of course Kirstie understood him better than he understood himself, "you worried, nervous, scared, a tad bit angry, and slightly happy. Worried, nervous, and scared because you don't know what's going to happen today. Angry at Alex and because Scott has to go through this. And happy because despite all that you get to see him today. Am I wrong?"
Mitch chuckled, "you are not. Pretty much spot on."
"And you're also anxious because you don't want to show all those feelings to Scott and make him feel bad."
"Still correct." Mitch was amazed at his best friend and her ability to read him like a book.
"Now, you know what you're feeling, how do you control it?"
"I don't know how to..."
"I don't think he has to control it. It's emotions, you can't control them, you just have to keep them in check," Jeremy spoke up.
"How Jer, how do I do that?"
"Keep them in check?" Mitch nodded. "Well, I think just try to manage them and don't get overwhelmed. But don't do it for Scott's sake, do it for yours. Scottie's been through a lot. He can take it."
"He shouldn't have to though J. And I don't want to make it worse than it is and it might be."
"You won't. Just been there for him."
"I'm trying you guys I really am. I just feel so lost like I don't know what to do."
"Go, stand with him. Be there for him. Love him. No matter what happens. And when you get home we'll be waiting right here with movies and cuddles."
"You're willingly going to let your girlfriend cuddle another guy?" Mitch laughed.
"Mitchie, you're her best girlfriend. She's allowed to cuddle you."
"And what about you Mr. Lewis, will you be in on this cuddlefest?" Kirstie asked looking over at her boyfriend.
"If Mitch asks Scott, of course. But I can't piss off my best friend."
"I'll ask but I'm sure he won't mind..."

Mitch heard a car pulling up and looked out the window.

"My ride is here so I've got to go. Love you guys!"
"We love you too!" The couple answered in unison.

The three shared a hug before walking out and getting into their respective rides.

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

Wednesday morning came too quickly for Scott. After breakfast, he was taken back to his cell while Avi and Kevin went to class. The two boys had wished their cellmate luck before departing.

Scott laid on his bunk staring at the ceiling, waiting nervously. He had never been this way before a court date. Maybe it's because the previous times he knew what he had done and was ready to accept his punishment. Or maybe it was the fact that before now he'd never had something to lose.

The guard came and cuffed him before leading him to the showers. After he had bathed he changed into a suit that Sara-Beth had dropped off the previous day. Scott was thankful for the change from the orange jumpsuit, white tank top, and black slippers. The suit looked nice, he could tell that Mitch had helped pick it out immediately. His boyfriend was the most fashionable person he knew. Overall the colors were muted, light grey pants and jacket, the shirt however was a deep red. Completing the ensemble were shiny, black loafers. Scott loved it.

After he was cuffed and shackled he was lead into a holding cell where a guard explained the procedure to him again.

"Okay Hoying, my partner and I are going to be responsible for your transport today. So this is how things will go. Once it's time we'll come in and get you, load you up and take you down to the courthouse. There's a cell there where you'll wait until it's time for your case. Now, as far as restraints, you'll be shackled and cuffed until you enter the courtroom then you'll just have your cuffs, no shackles. Any questions?"
"No sir."
"Good, someone will be back to get you soon."
"Yes sir."

And with that Scott was left alone.

It seemed like an eternity later when really it had only been about an hour when a guard entered leading him out to a waiting cruiser. It was a short drive to the courthouse where he was escorted in the back door by the two officers. He was hoping to go through the front, thinking he might catch of glimpse of Mitch, no such luck though. The guards tugged him along as he shuffled behind them toward a window where an unfriendly looking secretary sat.

"Hey Jane, we've got one for trial today."
The secretary glanced up, "I need his name, date of birth, social security number, prison ID number, and fingerprints."
Scott remained silent knowing that the guards would let him know when he was allowed to speak.
"Name, uhh, let's see..." one of guards looked in the folder he was holding, "Scott Richard Hoying, DOB, September 17, 2000, social, 777-111-2222, and ID, 064321."
"Thanks, now prints, just uncuff him and have him place his hands on the scanner one at a time."
"Okay Hoying, you heard her. And you better not try any funny business when we undo these restraints."

Scott bite his tongue to keep from saying something snarky to the man. How would I try anything anyway? Even with no cuffs I still have shackles on, it's not like I can run anywhere.

After he was checked in he was lead to a small room with actual prison bars. Though the cells at the facility weren't exactly inviting, this room was even less appealing. It was cold, dark, and dank.

As he was waiting, Sara-Beth was escorted in to speak with him. She sat on the narrow bench beside him, signaling the guard to leave her and her client alone as he locked the door.

"So Scott, are you feeling okay?"

Scott to a deep breath, he wanted to tell her but didn't want to get worked up just a few moments before having to face a judge.

"Not really."
"What wrong honey?"
"I'm scared SB. And I've never been scared like this before."
"Hey, don't be scared, walk in there, hold your head high. We're going to fight these charges together, okay? I'll be there beside you the whole time. Everyone else will be in the gallery right behind us. If you get nervous, just look at me okay?"
Scott nodded his head, he could do this, he had to. "Yea, I think I'm okay now."
"Good. Do you remember everything we discussed yesterday?"
"Yes."
"Excellent. I'm going to go out and meet the others and get everything in order. They'll come get you soon alright?" She reached over and reassuringly squeezed his hand.
"Alright. Will you tell everyone I said thank you for coming? And will you tell Mitchie I love him please?"
"Of course Scott. I'll see you out there."

And with that the guard came and let her out of the small cell; Scott, once again, was left waiting.