Mind Over Matter: Round 2 | Scomiche

Chapter 2

A/n   Happy Late Birthday to me! Here's a gift for you! Chapter 2! Hope you enjoy.

-Belle

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     Scott fell out of stance and took a few heavy breaths before shaking and stretching out his arm muscles. He had only been back in LA for two nights. Two nights and he could feel this terrible gut feeling creeping up on him again. Like he was able to escape all his nightmares while on an island in the middle of the sea, but now he was diving straight back into them.

     He slowly walked his tired legs to the bench at the edge of the room and plopped down onto it. He leaned on his elbows and sighed, hanging his head.

     Outpatient Recovery Program. He had only googled it once to realize that he was not exactly interested in it. He didn't want to go to wellness groups, or therapy, or get tested and watched every month for god knows how long.

     He wasn't good at sitting and talking about himself. Wasn't good at sitting and talking about feelings in general. He trusted his shit with Mitch now. The man had proven himself so trustworthy, but strangers are different. They judge.

     He heard the heavy gym door open and the other half of the gym lit with the flick of a light switch. He lifted his head and met eyes with Avi.

     "Training early?" Avi asked on his way over. His hands tucked into the front of his jeans.

     Scott nodded.

     "Everything alright?" Avi turned and sat next to him. "How was the trip?"

     Scott sat back and started to unwrap the tape around his hands slowly. "It was good. Better than good, really." He snorted a little laugh. "I guess I should thank you for forcing me to go to the chiropractor 'cause Mitch is..." There wasn't a word he could think of that was all-encompassing of how grateful he was to have Mitch right now.

     He could hear the smile in Avi's voice. "Of course, but it was ultimately up to you."

     There a small pause in conversation and they both sat watching him unravel tape.

     Avi broke the silence again. "So, your dad came to me about something."

     "Matt."

     "Did he talk to you already?" Avi sounded surprised.

     "No. Mom came here asking me to mentor him." He turned to look at him. "You think I should?"

     Avi shrugged. "I think you should do what you want."

     Scott was not really expecting that answer. He was certain his dad had cut Avi some sort of deal if Matt was going to be training in his gym. "I'm not sure I should."

     "Why?"

     "Mitch thinks that teaching someone is one of the best ways to learn. Thinks that if I focus on Matt, my own problems will get sorted out. I don't feel like it's going to be that simple." He felt weird admitting that to Avi. He always tried his best to be the best for him, but he just didn't feel like that was possible for him anymore.

     He was lucky Avi was still here sitting by his side after what he had put him and his company through.

     "I think there is truth in both of those statements, honestly." Avi shrugged and leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms. "Things are..."

     "Fucked up?"

     "Yeah. I wish I could just read your mind, but hell, I've been trying since we were sixteen and haven't been successful. You work harder than anyone I've ever met, Scott. That counts for something. And I hope that you do get to train and spread your knowledge of what this sport means. You're a pro, Scott. Despite a lose here and there, you're it." Avi uncrossed his arms and set his hand on Scott's shoulder, shaking him around until he cracked a smile. "Matt is good. He's got more potential than most, I think."