The Only Exception

Confrontation

"Fancy seeing you here," the man spat out, eyes raking over Mitch and Beau with disgust. "Just leave. Why must you torment me in my dreams and in reality as well?" Mitch raised his voice, catching the attention of the many patrons. The man walked towards Mitch, chuckling darkly as Mitch whimpered and  moved away from him. "Aww, you still dream about me? How sweet," the man cooed. Beau stood up, not liking the way the man talked to Mitch. "Hey man, I don't know what happened between you two, but you need to knock it off. You're scaring him." The man shoved Beau into a table, causing the napkin dispenser to clatter noisily to the floor.

Beau stood, muttered a curse, then shoved the man. The man swung, but Beau saw it coming and ducked. Beau glanced at Mitch to check if he was safe, making the man notice his distraction. He swung again, catching Beau on the side of his jaw. Beau's head flew back with the force of the hit but he recovered quickly, holding his jaw. In the background the patrons at the ice cream shop were calling the police. Upon seeing the man attack Beau, Mitch stood up. "You have tormented me for the past three years. But no more," he hissed viciously. He turned and walked away from the man before turning back and kicking him hard in his manhood. "That's for messing with me back in high school," he hissed and glared at the man, who was on the floor whimpering and clutching his injured groin. He aimed another kick at the man's groin and smirked. "And that was for me believing that you were worth any of my attention." 

The police came then, and after taking statements from all the witnesses, arrested the man. Mitch walked out quickly, his confidence melting away and leaving him shaking. An arm was placed around his shoulder, making him flinch. The arm was quickly removed and soon a familiar soothing voice was apologizing, "Mitch, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you," Beau said remorsefully. Mitch placed Beau's arm back around his shoulder, feeling safer know that he knew who it was. Beau smiled down at Mitch who didn't notice, too busy trying not to dissolve in sobs. Beau was alarmed when Mitch's shoulders shook and tears fell. "Honey, it's okay. You were so brave tonight. I'm proud of you, okay?" Beau reassured Mitch, wanting to hug Mitch but knowing that Mitch would have to be the first to initiate any action.

Mitch burrowed himself into Beau and looked up tears falling out of his as  he whispered a small, "Really?"  Beau nodded and hesitantly wrapped his arms around Mitch, afraid that he'd bolt like a startled woodland creature. To both of their surprise Mitch just snuggled closer, and together they just stood there, wrapped in the comfort of each other. Finally Beau stepped back, noting the unhappy look on Mitch's face. "It's getting late and you haven't eaten dinner yet. Do you want to eat dinner, or go home?" Beau asked, letting Mitch decide. "Home, please," Mitch whispered and Beau nodded. The drive home was silent and Mitch couldn't help but miss the silent comfort that Beau offered. He wrapped his hand around Beau's and blushed when he noticed Beau smile. They reached Mitch's house and Mitch got out of the car with a quiet, "Goodbye, thanks for driving me home," and slipped into his home, ready to escape from the exhausting events of the day.