Bits and Pieces

Second 'Verse, Same as the First

Ten seconds of ringing silence followed Scott's declaration before Mitch's brain could form any thoughts let alone words. "Uh..." he finally managed, but had nothing at all lined up to follow that.

Scott tipped his head back and laughed loudly. Mitch couldn't help but look at his exposed teeth, which didn't appear to be more dangerous than normal, but they still made him anxious.

"I'm kidding!" Scott said breathlessly when he'd stopped cackling. "Well, I guess I'm not, but I'll do my very best not to hurt you. And even if I do, you'll like it."

The confidence in his tone made goosebumps break out all over Mitch's neck and arms. This version of Scott reminded him of the boy he used to tangle with years ago. So strong and aware of his own effect.

"I have literally no idea how to respond to that," Mitch admitted, gulping down the last inch of his drink as though the answers he sought might be at the bottom of his glass. He was suddenly aware of Scott's fingertips against his forearm, stroking lightly back and forth, and he had to lock his muscles in place to keep from shivering. Even through the fabric of the jacket Scott has just complimented, his skin felt like a live wire.

"You don't have to say anything," Scott assured him. "You're perfect just as you are."

Mitch's heart gave a painful throb. It had been so long since anyone had spoken such kind words to him in such a genuine way. It hurt to remember his Scott saying sweet words like this. Although he was sure the boy would always have a deep affection for him, it was clear that things were all but over between them. The looks and the touches they shared these days were easy and comfortable and he never wanted to take them for granted. But he missed when Scott's hands would touch him like this, with the clear intention of wanting more. He missed when those cool blue eyes would become molten with lust and need, searching for something that only Mitch could provide.

"Where'd you go just now?" Scott wondered, trying to catch his eye. "Were you thinking about me? The other me, I mean?"

"Sorry," Mitch mumbled. "It's just that he and I... Well I feel like all the Scotts and all the Mitches that come here are together, and that's just now how it is with us anymore."

"I could sort of sense that," Scott replied gently.

"Is that part of my smell or something?" Mitch wondered with a bleak chuckle.

"Uh, actually yes," Scott said with an apologetic wince. "It's hard to explain to someone who isn't a supernatural creature. But I can tell when another person has been marked or claimed or mated or however you want to put it. You smell like you're available."

"Perfect," Mitch muttered.

"No, it's a good thing. A very good thing. My mouth keeps watering. I never imagined having the chance to seduce you--or someone who looks like you--all over again."

"The Mitch from your world...is he human?" Mitch wondered.

"No, not at all. He's a wereleopard. Alpha of the lycans and General of the Cursed clans. He's basically a king."

Mitch gave a bark of laughter. "Why can't any of my doppelgangers ever be like tax accountants or middle managers?"

Scott beamed at him. "Because that's not the way the universe works, sweetheart. That's not how any of the universes work. You were meant to shine and to stand out and..."

"And what?" Mitch wondered, trying to figure out why Scott had paused.

"You were meant to be kissed and treasured and tasted and I have half a mind to rip into your Scott--figuratively of course--and figure out how he screwed up so badly."