Mitch and Scott sat together at a table near where the Kaplans and Kevin were seated. Scott smiled and waved at his former cellmate who appeared to be being interrogated by Avi's family. The boy grinned back before turning to his boyfriend's family.

"So Mitchy, have you talked to Kevin any?"
"Actually, I drove him up."
"Really??"
"Yea, he text me a few days ago and we've been talking. I picked him up this morning, went to his parole meeting, then we came here."
"How's he... is he doing okay?"
"I think so. I think it's mostly just missing Avi. Which I understand completely because I miss you."
"I miss you too baby boy. How's everything else with him though? I mean I know adjust to life back outside of lock up is rough. I've done it twice before and it's always hard."
"He seems to be fine with everything. He told me he ran into his ex girlfriend a few days ago. That seemed to be not so pleasant."
"Alyssa? What did that bitch want?"
"To get back together..."

Scott's face drained of color making him look even more ghost like.

"Please tell me he didn't do anything with her. I mean he's here with Av after all."
"Oh heaven's no Scott. He basically told her to fuck off that he had a boyfriend. I think it just shook him from what he told me. He also hasn't told Avi about it."
"Why not? Did he say?"
"He's worried. He doesn't want Avi to get scared that he's going to leave him."
"Well... will you talk to Kev on the way home? Tell him that he needs to mention it to Avi. Also, that Av will need a lot of reassurance. He knows how he gets. And tell him that Avi isn't okay but he's getting there. I know Kev is worried about him and he knows Avi will put on a brave face for him."
"Same way you do?"
"What?"
"Kevin and I had quite a long conversation about your first few days here."

Scott's eyebrows rose as he stared at his boyfriend.

"Yea... he told me you weren't okay. Even though you told everyone you were. I took their word for it because I couldn't see you yet even though I knew better." 
"I was okay babe..."

Now it was Mitch's turn to stare at Scott. He knew the boy was lying.

"Well maybe not okay... but damn... I'd just been literally pulled from your arms and I didn't know what was going to happen to me or when or if I would see you again and it sucked."
"I understand that. I had to watch them lead you away in handcuffs. I had to watch them load you in the back of a police car. I was terrified. So I get it. Just know you can't lie to me."
"I know that... I wouldn't."
"So truthfully... what do you want for Christmas... because you know it's next week right?"
"The only thing I want is to be out... on your bed... you in my arms..."

Mitch started tearing up. He hadn't planned for this to be an emotional visit but he'd be damned if they hadn't turned it into one. His throat was tight as he tried to speak.

"I--I--I w-w-want th-t-that t-t-oo... More than anything. I'd give up everything just to have you at home."

Scott squeezed Mitch's hand tightly before attempting to reach up and brush the tears off the boy's cheeks. The chain around his waist stopped him just short and he growled in frustration.

"Dammit!"
"It's okay Scottie."
"No it's not. You've needed me these past few months and I haven't been there and there's no way I can make any of that up to you."
"It's not your fault. You know it's not. And you'll be out soon."
"Five months isn't soon Mitch... five months is a hell of a long time."
"We'll make it. I love you more than anything Scott... unconditionally."
I love you too."

The sat in relative silence for the remainder of the communal visitation, mostly just enjoying being near one another. Soon though, Scott was lead out of the room with the other boys. 

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

Mitch sat in the large room as he waited for Kevin to return from his talk with Mr. Kaplan. Mitch was slightly uncomfortable being in the room with the others who were staying for private visits. He got quite a few dirty looks from the other people around him. He couldn't stand how they stared at him, condemning him for holding hands with Scott. If they only knew what we'd been through, he thought as he gave them back the nastiest side eye he could.

A few minutes later a guard opened the door to let Kevin back in. He told Mitch about the way the Avi's father had thanked him and embraced the relationship between the two. Kevin wiped away his tears, emotional from the support and understanding the Kaplans were giving him.

Mitch was happy for him. He know how important it was to have supportive, understanding parents. Thankfully, his had never really been opposed to his relationship with Scott. But tales from his boyfriend's life with his parents told him how horrible things could get. He was glad that Avi and Kevin had support from their parents, even if Mr. Olusola hadn't been completely on board to begin with.

Mitch was ecstatic that his boyfriend also had guardians that cared about him, that didn't care that he was gay, didn't mind that he was in juvie and had a rap sheet. The only thing they cared about was helping Scott be the best person he could be. And even if he didn't believe he could be great, Mitch knew he could.

Soon Kevin pulled him out of his daydream saying that the guards were calling them to go into the private rooms. He said would meet him up front when visiting hours were over.

As soon as the guard unlocked the door, Mitch ran into Scott. He reached up to pepper kisses along the sharp jaw line that was littered with stubble. Mitch didn't mind the scratchiness but he thought Scott looked even hotter with a beard.

Scott pulled away to look questioningly at his boy.

"I just saw you not fifteen minutes ago. I'm not complaining but that was an enthusiastic greeting."
"I just... I love you. And it's been like days since I've gotten to kiss you. I missed it."
"I missed it too. So how about you give me a big one right on my lips then we can sit and talk some more."

They did exactly that. Mitch told Scott about home and how Mike and Nel missed him. Scott told Mitch that they should come up and visit soon too. He missed Mitch's parents. Up until his teachers decided to foster him, they were the closest thing to parents Scott had. They took care of him. Made sure he had clothes and food, they're even the one that paid Scott's cell phone bill. Granted their excuse was that it was for Mitch, so that he could talk to his boyfriend whenever he wanted.

Mitch went through what he had brought or planned to buy everyone for Christmas. He was especially excited for the outfit and eyeshadow pallette he had gotten for Kirstie. Apparently the release had been huge and he had managed to snag one of the limited edition kits. He promised to put Scott's name on all the presents too. Scott smiled and said he didn't have to. Mitch argued saying he would have never known what to get Jeremy if it hadn't been for Scott so he deserved credit.

As the two were embracing before the guard was to run Mitch from the room, Scott asked if he would do him a favor. Of course Mitch agreed without hesitation.

"Will you please ask Kyle or Amber or Summer or Sara-Beth to come see me as soon as possible?"
"Of course but why? What's wrong?"
"Nothings wrong. I promise. I just want to ask them about something. Nothing bad."
"You sure?"
"Positive. When will I see you again?"
"Monday?"
"Perfect. Now give me a kiss and go before they yell at you."

Scott bent down to crash Mitch's lips into his own for a few moments before pulling away.

"I love you my sweet boy."
"I love you too. See you soon! Write me!"

And with that the guard entered and made the two separate. Mitch met Kevin in the lobby. It was clear the older boy was trying to hold himself together. Mitch smiled directed the boy outside to the car. As soon as he was sitting, Kevin broke down, Mitch following soon after, unable to contain himself. The sight of Kevin's pure, raw emotion killed him and he let himself cry.