Mitch is recently divorced, and is now a single parent with three children. He meets Scott, and Mitch is nervous about how the children will react with him bringing a new man into his life.
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When Scott met Mitch, he had no idea his life would change so much.
The two hit it off instantly when they met randomly at a bar one night. They continued seeing each other for a couple of weeks. Scott really liked Mitch, and finally had the courage to ask him to be his boyfriend, and then Mitch dropped the bomb on him and told him that he has three kids.
Of course, Mitch saying that didn't stop him from wanting to be his boyfriend.
"They're... a lot," Mitch begins as he sits in the car with Scott. "We adopted two twin teenagers first, because I couldn't stand the thought of separating them. But, also adopted a little boy. He's so sweet. He's probably the one who will like you the most. The twins understanding more about what's going on and they're pretty pissed off that we separated and their dad moved out."
"Well, that's understandable," Scott says. "No hard feelings if they totally hate me. I get it."
Mitch sighs in relief. "I'm just... nervous. It's been a year, and things are still hectic. I'm still in contact with Beau, and they still see him. Part of me thinks they'd rather be with Beau than me,"
"Hey, what makes you say that?" Scott asks, frowning.
"Because, Angela and Jake are so angry all the time. I try to get them out of the house and family things, but they're never happy. Then, Beau comes over and it's like nothing ever happened," Mitch rants.
"It's not you, Mitch. I promise you that. They're just as hurt over the whole separation thing, and... it's going to take them awhile to get used to the fact that their parents aren't together anymore," Scott says. "Have you explained to them, or... the twins, at least, why you separated?"
"Kind of. I mean, Beau and I haven't really been getting along lately. We were arguing over little things, and so... we just decided that it would be better if we remained as friends," Mitch explains.
"Seems reasonable enough to me. At least you guys are still getting along, and making an effort to make your children happy. Beau's still around, so that's still good for them," Scott says.
"I'm just really worried, but I really like you. I want to make this work. Just know that it won't be easy, and... things might be difficult at first. I'll understand if you don't want to be apart of this chaos,"
"Nonsense," Scott chuckles, and then he reaches over and gently kisses Mitch. "I really like you too, Mitch, and... I wouldn't have agreed to meeting your children if I didn't want to be apart of this."
"It's nice to hear that from someone," Mitch chuckles. "Most guys walk away from me."
"Not all men are jerks. You just have to find the right one," Scott grins.
"So, shall we get this over with?" Mitch asks, looking over at Scott nervously.
"Yeah, let's go in, and just hope for the best I guess," Scott nods, and then he gets out of the car with Mitch. He follows Mitch up to the apartment that he lives in. Mitch explained to Scott before that they used to live with Beau in a big house before Mitch decided to move out with the kids.
"Okay," Mitch takes a deep breath before opening the door. He gently takes Scott's hand and then he leads the way inside. "Kids?" He looks around. "I'm home from work!"
"Daddy!"
Mitch laughs as the littlest boy Oliver, runs up and hugs him. "Hi sweetheart. I missed you,"
Oliver pulls away and looks up, freezing when he sees Scott standing beside Mitch. "Daddy? Who's that?"
"Oli, this is Scott," Mitch says softly, glancing over at Scott. "He's my... um, friend. He'll be coming around a lot more, would you be okay with that?"
Oliver stares at him. "Do you like Spongebob?" He asks curiously.
"Oh, I love Spongebob," Scott grins, earning a chuckle from Mitch. "Who doesn't love Spongebob?"
Oliver gasps. "Papa didn't like Spongebob," he says.
"Papa didn't like a lot of things. Have you eaten dinner?" Mitch asks, quickly changing the subject.
"Uh huh. Auntie Kirstie made mac 'n' cheese and I ate all of it!" Oliver tells him.
"That's my good boy. Why don't t you watch some cartoons in the living room for a bit, okay?" Mitch asks.
"Okay, daddy!" Oliver exclaims before turning and skipping into the living room.
Scott laughs. "That was easy. What would have happened if I said I didn't like Spongebob?" He asks.
"You would have been done for. I would have had to break up with you," Mitch looks over at Scott and smirks when he sees the look on his face. "Come on, Scotty. Where do you think he got his love of Spongebob from? I have a fucking Spongebob tattoo, after all!"
"You're right. You're right!" Scott laughs, and follows Mitch to the twins' bedroom.
"Prepare yourself," Mitch says before knocking on the bedroom door. "Angela? Jake? Open up!"
Mitch waits a moment before the door opens, and Mitch walks into the room. "Hey, guys. There's um, someone that I need you to meet so if you could pay attention for a moment, please?"
Angela rolls her eyes and takes her headphones off, looking over at Mitch. "What do you want?"
Scott's a little taken back by Angela's harsh tone. He knew already that the twins would be a bit harder, but he definitely wasn't expecting that. He can understand why Mitch thinks they hate him.
Mitch sighs. "Look, I know things have been tough lately, and I'm sorry. But, this is Scott. We've uh, well... we've been seeing each other the past couple weeks. He's going to be around more," Mitch says.
"You've already started seeing someone else? What about dad?" Jake asks angrily.
"Your dad and I are just going to remain friends. I'm sure he's been seeing others too," Mitch says.
"Not true," Angela argues. "Dad told us he hasn't seen anybody since you guys split up."
"Well, some people taking longer to move on," Mitch bites his lip. "I just... wanted you guys to meet, okay? Let's' go, Scott." He grabs Scott's arm before leading him out of the bedroom silently.
"Mitch, are you okay?" Scott asks once they're away from the twins' bedroom.
Mitch takes a deep breath. "It's just been hard," he lets out a sob. "I'm trying my best. But they..."
"Hey," Scott wraps his arms around Mitch and pulls him against his chest, hugging him gently. "I know, and I'm sorry things have been so tough for you. They'll get better eventually."
Mitch sniffs and looks up at Scott with sad eyes. "I know, because you're here now," he whispers.
"That's right, baby. And, I'm not going to let anybody or anything hurt you again," Scott whispers before leaning down and gently kissing Mitch. "'Why don't we go watch Spongebob with Oliver? If I know one thing that makes you feel better, it's cartoons. More specifically, Spongebob Squarepants."
Mitch grins, instantly cheering up. "You knew me so well!" He grabs Scott's hand and leads the way towards the living room, where the two cuddle on the couch and watch cartoons with Oliver.
Over the next few months, Scott becomes rather attached to Mitch's family. He adores Oliver, and loves spending time with the younger Grassi. The twins are still not okay with Mitch dating someone else who isn't their father. It's a slow process, but Scott hopes to win them over soon.
"Oh shit," Mitch curses after looking at his phone.
"What is it?" Scott asks, looking over at Mitch curiously.
"I just got a text from Beau. I totally forgot it was his weekend to have the kids," Mitch groans.
"Oh, but I thought we had plans to go to the movies with them?" Scott asks. "The mini golf course too?"
"I know. Shit, I'm so sorry," Mitch sighs, leaning back against the couch. "I know how excited you were, and I really wanted you to spend some time with the kids. Especially the twins."
"That's okay. We can just do it next weekend," Scott assures him, reaching over to rub Mitch's shoulder. "We've got all the time in the world to do stuff together. I'm in no hurry, and you shouldn't be either."
"What happens if the twins never get over this?" Mitch asks, looking over at Scott.
"I'm sure it'll take some time," Scott says softly. "But I'm willing to wait if you are. I don't want to give up, and I just want you to be happy. I'll do anything it takes. I think I've proven that so far."
Mitch smiles, and reaches over to kiss Scott. "You definitely have," he says. "I have to get the kids ready."
"Go," Scott smiles at him. "I'll be in here when you're done."
"You're the best," Mitch says, kissing Scott once more before getting up and walking out of the living room, but he's surprised when he sees Angela standing outside the living room doorway. "Angela?"
Angels takes a deep breath as she looks up at Mitch. "I'm still not okay with you and dad separating,"
"I know," Mitch says. "It's been a hard transition for everyone."
"But, you and dad are still friends. Most parents don't ever talk to each other ever again, and... I'm just grateful that we have both of you still. I'm sorry for being so mean to you," Angela apologizes.
"Oh, sweetheart. You don't have to apologize for anything," Mitch leans down and hugs her.
"If it's okay," Angela pulls away from the hug. "I'd like to stay home this weekend. Mini golf sounds fun, and dad wants me to give Scott a chance." She looks up at Mitch.
Mitch smiles. "I'll call your dad and ask, okay?" He says. "Is Jake okay with this?"
"I think so," Angela nods. "If not, he can just get over himself. You deserve to be happy too."
Mitch chuckles. "Tell Oliver that you guys will be staying home, okay? I'll call Beau. And, thank you Angie. It will mean a lot to Scott that you guys are giving him a chance," he says.
Angela smiles, and then she skips upstairs to Oliver's bedroom.
Mitch takes a deep breath before turning and walking back into the living room.
Scott looks up and blinks a few times when he sees Mitch back already. "Wow. That was fast,"
"The weirdest thing just happened," Mitch says as he pulls out his phone. "But, you were right. I think... everything is going to be okay. I don't think we'll have to worry about the twins anymore."
"What happened?" Scott asks, standing up from the couch.
"I have to call Beau, and thank him," Mitch says. "Oh, and mini golf is back on."
Scott opens his mouth to speak, but sighs when Mitch walks out of the living room. He chuckles, and shakes his head. Everything will be okay. Scott is suddenly excited for what the future holds.
