Mitch

[istillspeakgoblin]

Dirk let out a soft chuckle when Mitch said it felt weird to him to have a ton of gold too. It was kind of nice to know it still felt weird to Mitch; it would have felt even weirder if it was something that was just fully normal to Mitch now. But it was still weird. Dirk smiled softly when Mitch said he would have been offering to help even if things had worked out how they were supposed to. If things went how they were supposed to, Dirk wouldn't need Mitch's help. Or maybe he would have in the early years grinding through healer school. Either way, that opportunity was gone now. "Thanks," Dirk said, but he wasn't going to show up out of literally nowhere and start taking Mitch's gold. He'd just get a job. Somewhere. Hopefully. It was much nicer to hear about how Mitch was actually playing with Shane Hollander. They were friends. Sort of? Okay. But they were on a line together, that was wild. "Three cups?" Dirk asked, surprised and impressed? "No way! That's rad, that's gotta be a record or something right? Wait. Does that mean you've won a cup?"

[mitchellbernford]

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure it is. I know Montrose has never had a captain lead us to three cup wins before Shane. Everyone was talking about all the team records he's smashed last season after the win. It's incredible." Mitch was never going to be that bloke. But the only other bloke in the league who could come close to being that bloke was Rosenov so Mitch didn't feel bad about not being that. It was just cool to play with that bloke and help him smash records. "We won last season. My first cup win. It was amazing! Last time Montrose got the cup it was back to back so we're all hoping to get another back to back this season. We're playing good quidditch too so hopefully," he told Dirk with a big grin. Probably the biggest one he'd worn since that day they won the cup. It had been an incredible moment. Way better then the season before after they'd been knocked out of the playoffs and there had been a weird tension in the locker room. Which hadn't been the first time he'd felt the tension, or the last. But that win was a high as was the start of this season watching a banner go up in the stadium declaring them the winners.

[istillspeakgoblin]

Dirk was surprised when Mitch actually answered his question, enough that he found himself letting out a surprised chuckle. Three to four years of being a responsible adult seemed like kind of a lot to Dirk, though. It was a lot to wrap his head around. As was what Mitch said next. "Oh." Dirk blinked. That was right. Mitch was a rich quidditch player now, just like they'd always planned. It was clear from his flat he had a lot of gold. Which, "That's kind of weird. I mean--I know we always planned to end up rich." They were supposed to do it together. "But from where I'm sitting it basically happened overnight. Still, that's pretty cool." He added, giving Mitch a slight smile. "You don't need to help me with anything though," he added. That wasn't what Dirk wanted from Mitch. Though he still wasn't entirely sure what he did want, other than Mitch to turn seven years younger. It would be nice not to have to ask Leo to pay for therapy. Actually, there was no way Dirk was going to ask Leo to pay for therapy. It would just have to wait until Dirk got a job and could pay for it himself. It was weird, but nice, to hear that Mitch was happy now. His eyes widening when Mitch said which team he played for. "Montrose? No way. That's Shane Hollander's team!" Dirk frowned. "Or--it was. Is it still?" That would be wild if Mitch was playing with Shane Hollander, but so much had changed who knew who was playing for which quidditch teams. He'd talked a fair bit of quidditch with Bash but hadn't gotten into the league and it's players, because it all still made Dirk's head kind of hurt.

[mitchellbernford]

"Truthfully it's never not been weird to me too. Sometimes it feels overnight. Sometimes I forget. Then I remember and it's...fucking insane," he confessed. Mitch nodded, not really surprised by Dirk's answer. "Alright. But if you ever do need it. Cause I mean it. It's just me so I'm good on gold. I mean even if things had gone the way they were supposed to with us I'd have been offering," he added with a sad tint to his smile. Because things did not go the way they were supposed to with Mitch making his name in the league and Dirk grinding to be a healer. Instead Mitch had gone it alone and Dirk hadn't had the chance to yet. It was hard not to be sad about that despite being happy Dirk was actually alive. He smiled when Dirk mentioned Shane. "I'm playing with him, can you believe it? He's my captain. Such a good bloke. Still fucking amazing on the pitch. We're mates...kind of...I dunno....friendly." He did hang out with Shane sometimes off pitch but he wasn't sure if he'd call them mates or not. Maybe. Certainly more than he'd been with a lot of his teammates he'd previously considered he was mates with. But the comedown of his social life post rehab made him uncertain about that sort of thing. "This is my third season with Montrose and it's still a pinch me moment that I'm actually playing on a line with him," he added with a laugh. When they'd been kids listening to matches he'd never dreamed he'd actually be playing with a bloke the whole league had been wild over since his rookie season. "I can't see him ever leaving Montrose. That is his team. The fans love him maybe even more now then when he was rookie cause he's gotten the team to three cups." Mitch felt pretty cool that one of those cups he'd gotten to help get. He was hoping they could make it a fourth this season.

[istillspeakgoblin]

It felt kind of nice to hear Mitch agree about how insane everything felt. And that Dirk had a right to be angry about it all. Dirk didn't really think any of his other mates or Leo would tell him differently. But they were all being so nice and supportive Dirk didn't know how to tell him how angry and miserable he was. But Mitch hadn't exactly come out and been supportive off the bat. And maybe there was the fact that Mitch was the person Dirk would have had this conversation with if all his mates were still the way he remembered them. It hadn't felt right to spill all this to someone else. It was a surprise to hear Mitch had gone to therapy. Over Dirk's death. Which was still something that made Dirk squirm. He had sort of died, or something. Dirk sighed when Mitch finished talking. Therapy was probably a very good idea. It also sounded very not enjoyable. "When did you get all smart and responsible," Dirk grumbled. He didn't know how he was gonna tell Leo he wanted to go to therapy. That Leo would have to pay for. "Fuck, I need to get a job," he said with another sigh, before glancing back over at Mitch, who still looked jarringly different, but maybe a little less so than he had when Dirk first showed up. "I'm glad it helped you. Are you....I mean are you happier now? How's life as a quidditch pro?"

[mitchellbernford]

Mitch did laugh at Dirk's question because smart and responsible felt like two things he was not. "About three-four years ago," he answered the question despite being certain Dirk wasn't looking for an answer. He just wanted Dirk to know it hadn't been a 'wow I'm a responsible adult' thing at a certain birthday or any of the stuff kids think becoming an adult looks like. Mitch had had to fuck up first. He smiled as Dirk continued to talk. "I mean you do happen to know someone who has pretty deep pockets now, not to brag. But seriously," he added his tone shifting from teasing to serious, "I can help. I'd be happy to." Not even just paying for therapy but he'd definitely gladly help with that. "I am yeah, I think. It's been a crazy seven years. But I'm playing with a top team. Montrose. My captain is insanely talented, like unreal. A good bloke too. I feel like I've finally found my footing play wise. Just locked into quidditch. It's intense but I get paid dumb money er gold to play a fucking game. Not gonna complain about that," he told Dirk with a smile.

[istillspeakgoblin]

It was kind of nice to hear Mitch say he wished that could happen to. If only that changed the fact they were stuck with the depressing reality that it couldn't happen. He glanced over at Mitch, appreciative and also a little guilty when the other apologized for thinking Dirk went in there on purpose. As Mitch kept talking, that little seed of guilt got a lot bigger. It had hurt to think that Mitch just forgot about him and ditched all their friends because he thought he was some hot shit quidditch player now. But Dirk didn't want to hear that Mitch had been angry for so long. That his absence had ripped a hole in his best friend. But of course it had. That's what would have happened to Dirk if Mitch had gone missing. Dirk sort of felt like a hole had been ripped in him anyways, because all of his friends were missing from his life in the way he remembered them and needed them. Tears pricked at his eyes. "You don't have to be sorry for that," Dirk said quietly. "I don't remember anything but I doubt I was anywhere you could find." It felt like he'd been sucked into a black hole and spit back out in the future. "And...I'm sorry too. I didn't want any of this to happen. It's so unfair. I’m mad your life moved on without me and I’m also mad that me being gone fucked things up for you. And I'm sorry for being a jerk earlier," he added. "I just....I think I know what you mean, about being mad at everything and feeling like there's a hole inside you. I know it's not the same, 'cause all my friends and Leo are still here, but you're also not still here. Not how I rememeber. And it fucking sucks. How did you stop being mad all the time?"

[mitchellbernford]

Mitch smiled sadly over at Dirk when he spoke. Maybe it was good Dirk didn't remember anything. Except he'd been black out drunk a few times and knew how terrifying that could be. He couldn't imagine how much worse Dirk might be feeling. "You don't have to apologize. I mean yeah, you were a jerk, but considering the circumstances I get it. And yeah we're here but Christ, I can't imagine how insane it's gotta be. It's pretty insane seeing you like this. But you...I think you have a right to be angry. I got a therapist, that's how I worked through it. Your death," he added with a humorless laugh. What a fucking joke that was now because Dirk wasn't dead. "I highly recommend it. It's hard and some sessions I left feeling worse then I had when I went in. But it's better than not dealing with it. Healthier. I mean I'm happy to listen too but someone whose job it is can actually help. Having someone listen only gets you so far. Haivng both might help more, I dunno. I didn't do that..." It felt dishonest to say he didn't have that. At the time it felt like he didn't but Ted probably would have. 'I fucked up a lot before I got there, to therapy, don't recommend that," he added honestly.

[istillspeakgoblin]

Dirk winced when Mitch said he’d thought maybe Dirk went into the forest on purpose. Maybe it was fair that Mitch had been scared and angry and confused. But it stung to hear that even if he didn’t think Dirk wanted to disappear—which obviously he didn’t—he still thought Dirk might have done that on purpose. Without even telling Mitch or Leo what he was up to. It didn’t help to hear that wasn’t why Mitch hadn’t come to see him. Dirk didn’t know why Mitch would think Dirk didn’t want to see him. Or how he could have not known the blokes were mad at them and thought the end of their friendship was mutual. But Dirk was still stuck on Mitch thinking he’d blown up his whole life on purpose.

“How could you think I went into the forest on purpose! I don’t even break curfew!” Dirk replied angrily. “And the forest is fucking terrifying, of course I didn’t just decide to go in there in the middle of the night! I didn’t even—“ Dirk frowned. He hated thinking about this, but he hated even more that Mitch thought he’d chosen any part of it. For what? “I mean, I know I came out of the forest so I must have gone in, I guess, but I don’t remember going in. And I don’t know why I would have ever gone in, especially without telling you or Leo. I wouldn’t do that. I dunno what happened to me. But I think whatever it was, or at least part of it, happened before I ever left the common room. ‘Cause I don’t even remember leaving the common room. I was just up late studying, and you and the blokes and Leo had all gone to bed, and I dozed off over my books, and then I woke up in the forest which was terrifying, but I found my way out and went back to the castle and it was empty, which was even more terrifying. Then eventually Dumbledore showed up and made me drink veritaserum and then took me to Leo’s flat and told me I was in the future, and I keep waiting to wake up and tell you—the real you, not this grown up version who doesn’t talk to the blokes—all about it and we’ll have a good laugh, and I can tell you how buff you got which you’ll be all excited about, only that still hasn’t happened yet.” Dirk could feel himself getting more worked up again as he spoke, but it all still felt like some horrifying neverending nightmare. Except for the parts with Bash. But maybe he’d still be there too, maybe he was just a sixth year or someone Dirk hadn’t met yet and they could still be friends after Dirk woke up.

[mitchellbernford]

Mitch didn't blame Dirk for being angry at him, it had been a shitty thing to think. He'd known that even when he'd thought it. As Dirk started talking about what had happened, what he remembered, he frowned. Mitch's memory of that night was not as vivid as it once was but he did know he'd left Dirk in the common room. Something he'd finally learned to forgive himself for during his stint in rehab. Because according to them his partying hadn't just been to fit in like he'd figured. But him running from all the negative emotions from his mate dying. He hadn't been able to talk about it in detail there but it had ripped open an old wound so badly that he'd ended up seeing someone after rehab who he could tell everything to. It'd helped, he thought. Only now here he was talking to Dirk. Maybe he ought ot dig out that contact again... His frown deepened at Dumbledore dropping him off at Leo's flat like that. His lips quirked upward a little at Dirk saying he wanted to tell younger him how buffed he got. He'd always felt a little too scrawny. Even now he didn't feel as built as some of the blokes. "I wish that could happen too," he told Dirk truthfully. Not that the wanted to go back to school but it did feel like it would be easier.

"I'm sorry I thought you went into the forest willingly. But it wasn't any more rational then me being mad at life for continuing on without you. I knew you wouldn't go. The alternative though... Someone forcing you into it? Tricking you into it? That was terrifying. Because one of those jackarse Slytherins couldn't get in and you wouldn't have gone out for them. So if someone did something to you it had to be one of us. A hufflepuff. Which meant it could happen again to any one of us. I spent the rest of that year trying not to think about that. Instead I got angry. At you for going into the forest. At me for not staying up with you that night. At literally anything I could find a reason no matter how flimsy to be angry at. I don't expect you to forgive me or understand. Especially with the shit you're going through now. Even if it probably doesn't make sense I just wnat you to know I didn't think bad about you. It just ripped a hole in me when you died, because that's what they all said happened. I fucked up a lot but I was just doing the best I could with this huge hole. And I'm sorry that we didn't find you. Fuck, we tried so hard. Sneaking into the forest looking for anything. Yelling your name till our voices were shot. I'm sorry we gave up." Mitch sighed willing himself not to cry despite his eyes tearing up. Now that Dirk was here it felt like they'd given up too soon. Maybe they could have fuond him. Spared them all the seven years without him and Dirk the shock of being seven years too late.

[istillspeakgoblin]

"What the fuck?" Dirk said weakly when Mitch said fuck him for thinking Mitch wanted nothing to do with him, his anger flaring up again. It sure felt like Mitch wanted nothing to do with him, seeing as he hadn't tried to talk to Dirk once and had apparently cut the rest of the blokes and Leo out of his life. He looked from the tissue box Mitch unceremoniously put in his lap over to the bloke who was now describing what happened as the forest puking him up seven years too late, which felt kind of harsh but also more accurate than anything else Dirk had heard so far. Or maybe it was just the way that Mitch wasn't being delicate about it the way it felt like everyone else was. Mitch had always been good for cutting through the bullshit and saying things how they were. Maybe not everything had changed. "I am pissed at you," Dirk said when Mitch stopped talking, though his voice lacked the same heat it had earlier. "But now you're making it harder to be pissed at you." Which was actually really annoying in this moment, because being pissed felt kind of good for a change. Dirk let out a frustrated huff of breath. "I hate this," he said again. "I hate that there's no one to be mad at about it. And I hate that you're not still friends with the blokes. Why aren't you still friends with the blokes?" He added, turning back on Mitch. Maybe there was something he could still be mad at Mitch for. That and, "And why didn't you come see me? You don't think I went into the forest on purpose, do you?" That last question was out before Dirk even realized it, before Dirk had even had a chance to process that it was something he'd been worried about. But it was. Because it would explain why Mitch hadn't come to see him. Maybe he'd fought with the other blokes about it and that was why they weren't mates anymore too.

[mitchellbernford]

Yeah maybe he shouldn't have said that but he stood by it because he wasn't gonna let someone say he didn't care about Dirk, not even Dirk. Mitch almost wanted to laugh when Dirk said he was making it harder to be pissed at him. He didn't laugh. Or interrupt. maybe he should have because Dirk was asking a lot of things he wasn't sure he wanted to answer. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I mean, maybe, I dunno. It was confusing. I was mad at everyone about it. Fucking Dumbledore and the school for having a forest that apparently ate kids behind a school without doing a damn thing to keep us safe. Myself for not hearing you get up. The blokes for I dunno, not being you I guess. Magic for being so fucked up. And yeah, you too. I was so mad that you just left us. That you didn't wake me up. But I never thought you wanted whatever happened to you to happen," he told Dirk. Which was maybe not the same as 'no I don't think you went there on purpose.' But Mitch could never figure out why Dirk had gone there or if he even had. What he had known was Dirk wouldn't have done it knowing he'd never live through it.

Mitch sighed again. "I didn't come see you because I was afraid you wouldn't want to see me." Because of the blokes which Dirk also wanted an answer to. Apparently the blokes hadn't told him anything which was sort of surprising given Ted had seemed pretty pissed at him. "Things got complicated with the blokes. It wasn't one thing and it had seemed mutual to me but apparently they are all pissed off at me so guess not mutual." Mitch sighed yet again. "Shit's fucked I know but selfishly it's good to see you."

[istillspeakgoblin]

Dirk flinched when Mitch asked if he should have followed Dirk into the woods. As if Dirk wanted that. As if Dirk had a choice in going to the woods in the first place. Was that what Mitch thought? Was that why he hadn't come to see Dirk, because he was mad at him for going into the woods? It sure sounded like Mitch was mad at him for disappearing. Which was wildly unfair, and hurtful and--maybe kind of a relief, in a weird, fucked up way. Dirk hadn't done anything wrong, at least not that he could remember. But it also felt like maybe he deserved for everyone to be mad at him. Or maybe he was just tired of feeling like the only one who was angry about his entire life blowing up, when for everyone else his randomly showing up now was a good thing. So he did something he normally didn't do--but what even was normal for him anymore?--and leaned into that anger.

"Okay, fine, you missed me, glad to know you got over it." He shot back, ignoring the part about him leaving because it was kind of beyond the point, even though really he'd just have liked it if Mitch had asked him to stay, like he'd even wanted to see Dirk at all. But clearly he didn't. "You know what, I don't even blame you for not wanting anything to do with me. It's better than everyone acting all happy that I'm here, as if it's a good thing when my whole life is just--gone, and I don't know what I'm supposed to do now, because I had a plan--we had a plan--and now Leo is an adult with a flat and he had to buy me a bed and clothes and Ted's married and had to find me a tutor that Leo has to apparate me to every day and Jacob has a kid and Kingsley--well Kingsley is mostly the same but he's still a grown up, and you won't even talk to me or the blokes for some reason that the blokes won't talk about. Maybe you're right to just stay away from it all, 'cause everything's a bloody mess and everyone wants me to be happy to be back from wherever the fuck I was but I'm not happy. I hate this, only I can't tell anyone I hate this because they're all trying so hard and I don't want them to feel bad, but I do, I hate it, and the only time I feel normal is when I'm--" Dirk cut himself off before he blurted out that Bash Fletcher was the only person who made him feel normal and like his life wasn't a disaster. He wasn't really sure why he cut himself off. Except he should have cut himself off a lot sooner. At some point his voice had gotten louder, and his eyes had welled with tears that had started falling, and now he was just standing there feeling very raw and very small. Only standing suddenly felt too hard, and despite the fact he'd been about to leave, Dirk sank back down onto Mitch's couch. "I just wanted one thing that was still how I remember it," he said in a small voice, then he put his face in his hands and started crying. He hadn't realized he'd been holding onto hope that maybe Mitch was still how he remembered, the last person left who could have been even though he'd been the least likely given how little the other blokes had talked about him. But Dirk had stupidly hoped maybe his best mate was still his best mate.

[mitchellbernford]

Fuck. This definitely felt like a Ted area. Mitch went from being a dumb farm boy to a dumb jock. This was beyond what he knew what to do with. "First of all fuck you for thinking I got over it or I want nothing to do with you." Which was definitely not something he should tell the kid sitting on his sofa crying despite no heat in his voice, except also he'd been Mitch's best mate so fuck him for saying that. He pulled some tissues out of a drawer in his side table and put the box in Dirk's lap. "I'm sorry that the forest puked you up or whatever seven fucking years too late. I an't know how much that sucks. I do know how much seven fucking years without you sucks. How pissed I was about it. You being fucking pissed makes sense to me. I'm sorry I couldn't be what you were hoping to find. Be angry, yell at me, hell keep crying whatever you need, mate. Just don't fucking say I didn't miss you." Letting Dirk rage it out was probably not how Ted would deal with it but Mitch wasn't Ted. He also kind of thought it might help. Holding onto all of that wasn't going to do Dirk any good.

[istillspeakgoblin]

Mitch looking upset and confused only confused Dirk even more. If Mitch was upset that he was leaving, then why hadn't he tried to come see Dirk? Or even just sent him an owl? And then he was just saying okay when Dirk said he was leaving? Rationally, Dirk knew it was unfair for him to be upset by that. He was the one who'd stood up and said he should go. Mitch was just letting him. Only he didn't want Mitch to let him go, just like he didn't want to have to be the one to come knock on Mitch's door because Mitch was too busy with--what? Being a rich, famous quidditch player? It felt like just a few weeks ago they'd been daydreaming about a day when they'd be rich together, a healer and a quidditcher, with fancy flats next door to each other. It wasn't Mitch's fault he'd gotten there without Dirk. It wasn't Mitch's fault he'd moved on with his life. But moving on to the point of not even caring about Dirk being back felt so far from the best mate Dirk remembered.

"Okay?" He repeated back, unable to hide his distress. "For real? That's it? Why didn't you come see me after Ted said I was back? Or owl me?" Dirk had never been a confrontational bloke, though he'd also done his best to try to talk things out when it needed to happen. And Mitch had always been the person he talked to the most openly, especially about the things he was worried and stressed about, because Mitch had always understood that kind of thing more than the other blokes. But Mitch hadn't been around since Dirk had woken up with his life blown apart. And the Mitch he was seeing today was just letting him walk away. Maybe that was why the blurted question came out before Dirk could stop it, and once he started he couldn't seem to stop more words from flooding out. "You're my best mate. And I get that I'm not yours anymore, 'cause you've clearly moved on with your life, but I just--I dunno. I thought you'd care that I was back."

[mitchellbernford]

Mitch was surprised when Dirk got upset at him. He had a little trouble keeping up when Dirk went from being upset that he'd said okay to being upset about him not coming to see him. Or owl him. That didn't seem to be all Dirk was upset about. "Hold the fuck on," Mitch said annoyed but doing his best to keep his anger in check. "What other choice did I have? Walk into the forest and hope whatever the fuck got you got me too? Whatever happened to you was shitty and it was shitty for all of us! You weren't here for all the times I missed my best mate so you don't get to come back seven fucking years later and act like I just shrugged my shoulders and went on instead of fucking missing you. I wasn't supposed to have to do all this by my fucking self." Mitch's voice broke. "Fuck," he mumbled to himself and took a deep breath so he could continue talking without being angry or hurt.

"I'm sorry I didn't owl. In truth, I didn't think about owling. It's still fucking weird to tie a piece of paper to a damn bird and hope it shows up in the right place," he huffed. Mitch might have been fully in the magicla world his entire adulthood sans the 45 days in rehab but that didn't mean he still didn't find some magical things weird as shit. "I know I didn't come by and I should have, I'm sorry. But that doesn't mean I didn't care you're back. I do. Also I don't know what the fuck you wanted me to say when you said you were gonna leave. What am I gonna do, lock the door, block you? So I'm not apologizing for that because what the fuck, Dirk? Christ. If you came to yell at me, fine go ahead. But don't dare act like I didn't miss you."

[istillspeakgoblin]

Dirk only had a moment to take in the sight of his familiar-but-not-familiar, seven-years-older best mate. That moment was enough for him to decide Mitch had changed the most from how Dirk remembered. He was huge, for starters. But he also looked somehow more polished, from his haircut to his clothes that Dirk could somehow tell were expensive even though it was just what he was wearing at home in the evening. It was also still clearly Mitch, though, which just made it more weird. And then he was saying the same exclamation Dirk had hear a seventeen-year-old Mitch say what felt like a few weeks ago, but that was jarring coming from this bloke in front of him, and he was pulling Dirk into a hug without hesitation. Dirk stilled in surprise, then gingerly hugged Mitch back. “It’s really me,” Dirk said in a quiet voice. He frowned when Mitch apologized after the hug, but wordlessly followed Mitch inside. If Dirk had thought the building was fancy, Mitch's apartment was even more so. It was easily the nicest building Dirk had ever been in. Probably the best decorated too. Only none of it was anything like he'd ever have imagined Mitch choosing. But Dirk also wouldn't have imagined Mitch losing touch with the blokes, and Leo. Or not coming to see Dirk even after Ted told him Dirk was back. As Dirk followed Mitch into his fancy living room, he was struck by the now-familiar feeling that he didn't belong. Only he felt it even more acutely here. Except Mitch was maybe being the most normal of all his mates, not staring at him or crying or anything. Just hugging him and inviting him inside. It all left Dirk feeling mixed up and unsure how to feel as he sat down on Mitch's sofa.

"Uh...that's okay," he managed to answer when Mitch asked if he wanted anything. Maybe this had been a bad idea. Mitch clearly wasn't Mitch, the 17 year old best mate that Dirk remembered. Of course he wasn't. He apparently didn't talk to the blokes anymore and he hadn't come to see Dirk and he was some fancy muscley guy in a fancy apartment. Suddenly Dirk could feel his heart beating faster, that tightness creeping into his chest that Leo had identified as a panic attack, because those were a thing that happened to him now. Dirk bit the inside of his cheek hard and took a deep breath the way Leo and Ted had showed him. "Um. You know what?" He said, his voice more strained than he would have liked. "I think maybe this was a bad idea. I should--I mean you're busy, clearly." Mitch did not seem all that busy right now, but apparently he was too busy to see Dirk. Because he'd clearly moved on with his life, just like everyone else had. Except Dirk. Because he'd been in some black hole or something. He stood up. "I should just go."

[mitchellbernford]

This was weird but Mitch couldn't help smiling because it was real. Dirk was really alive. He looked like he'd just walked into the forest instead of seven years ago. It was insane. But Mitch had learned a long time ago that magic made a lot of insane things happen. Mitch had no idea what to say to Dirk though. What did you say to your best mate who'd disappeared for seven years? Especially when that best mate wasn't smiling at you. His own smile faded before Dirk even spoke again. "What?" Mitch was confused. A bad idea? So what the blokes had told him everything and he'd come over here to see for himself? Apparently he'd decided that Mitch did look like a dick. Fuck. His shoulders dropped. It almost felt like it would have been nicer of Dirk to just not answer the door when Mitch finally got the nerve to come over. "Okay," he replied sounding hurt and confused.

[istillspeakgoblin]

Dirk wanted to see Mitch. Really, he did. Only after seeing Kingsley, Jacob, and Ted, he was keenly aware that what he really wanted was to see Mitch from seven years ago. His friend Mitch. Not the adult version. Which wasn't to say he wasn't as curious about what Mitch's life was now as he'd been about the rest of the blokes. It was just that with each one of them that Dirk met up with, the chasm between his old life and his new one felt even wider. And Mitch was the last of the blokes that Dirk had yet to see. Once he saw the adult Mitch, that would be it. It sort of made Dirk not want to go through with it. Only he knew that wasn't fair. He knew Mitch had been as worried about him as the rest of the blokes, even though he didn't know why they didn't seem to know as much about what Mitch was up to these days other than playing pro quidditch. Dirk sort of got the impression maybe Mitch got famous and quit talking to the blokes. Only that felt so unlike the Mitch that Dirk remembered. But then, wasn't everything so unlike what Dirk remembered? Certainly wouldn't have guessed Mitch would live in such a fancy apartment building. He should just get this over with.

Bracing himself for a familiar-but-not face to be looking back at him with the now too familiar look of wonder and awe and confusion and sadness and happiness that he'd gotten from the rest of the blokes, Dirk knocked on Mitch's door.

[mitchellbernford]

Mitch had been floored when Ted had told him Dirk was alive. Alive and apparently still seventeen. It was insane. But good. Because Dirk was alive. He hadn't been eaten by some freaky magical thing in the spooky forest. Or just swallowed up whole by that spooky forest. No, he was alive. He'd appeared like something out of a shitty muggle film. Insane. Mitch wanted to see him. It was Dirk. He was alive! But he was also hesitant about it. Granted he hadn't flaked on Dirk like he had the others. They'd probably told Dirk that. Maybe even told him about he embarrassing shit that had been all over the tabloids about Mitch. That had been years, rehab, two teams, and an ex ago but he didn't want to re-live all of that embarrassment from his second year. Dirk might not even want to see him after all of that and wouldn't htat be a bludger to the nuts to show up and Dirk not even open the door. Considering he was in the middle of a season it was pretty easy to put off anything.

Tonight he was enjoying a quiet night in, which was his norm now. The knock was a surprise because Shane and Hayden weren't usually a just drop in sort of blokes. Mitch suspected Hayds was more because he'd been mates with Shane so long but whatever the reason Mitch appreciated it. So he wasn't sure who to expect when he opened the door. "Christ on a cracker!" It was Dirk! Without thinking about it Mitch pulled him into a hug. "Ted said but wow, it really is you," he said as he went for the hug. Dirk was alive. He was alive and here. There was something actually comforting seeing Dirk like this instead of some bloke they might not recognize who'd aged along with them. "Sorry," he mumbled as he stepped out from the hug. "Come in." Mitch moved out of the way so Dirk could actually come in. "The living room is just through there," he pointed ahead of them despite it being obvious where his living room was. Mitch gestured to the sofa before sitting himself. "Shit, you want anything," he asked forgetting how to act when he had company because it was Dirk and Mitch had not expected that.

[chasertheo]

"Extremely awkward," Theo told Mitch with a chuckle, smiling at Mitch's addition. "It did work out, yeah. He was mostly just surprised at first, but he loves Jamie so once he got his head around the whole thing he was thrilled. Keeps asking me when I'm going to lock him down," Theo added with a chuckle and a shake of his head. He smiled at Mitch's comment about there being hope for him, once again wondering about whether he was still dating Meadowes. He was glad Mitch wasn't taking the fact Theo had hidden his sexuality from him personally. Theo nodded at the sentiment that it likely wouldn't have been good things if he'd heard about gay blokes, letting out a surprise laugh when Mitch speculated about being hit on by a bloke. "You'd be surprised how many gay blokes try to cover it up by being loudly homophobic, so you could very well be right about that. But no, you can never really tell for sure unless someone tells you. Made dating extra difficult," Theo added with a chuckle.

Theo was glad when his little joke got one back from Mitch, and he smiled in return, but it was quickly replaced by a look of concern. He listened, nodding when Mitch explained his game made it easier to stop drinking. Theo could understand quidditch as a motivator, even if he couldn't relate to what Mitch had gone through. Asking how things were for him now felt right, as a prospective teammate and as a friend. Mitch hadn't had to open up to Theo about this, after all. He smiled sympathetically at Mitch's comment about going out involving drinks, suddenly understanding why he'd brought it up after all at Mitch's addition about his teammates giving him a hard time. His brows furrowed; that was some awful behavior, though Theo had played with plenty of people he could see acting like that so it wasn't a surprise. He frowned when Mitch said his girlfriend gave him similar flack, and apparently let her friends talk shit about him. All that because a bloke didn't want to drink? Theo grimaced. Working out and keeping his head down sounded a lot like how Theo passed his time bouncing from team to team, but it did sound better than Mitch's ex, who he had to assume was Meadowes. "Those are always good things," he said with a smile at Mitch's last addition. "I'm sorry your teammates and your ex gave you so much shit just for not drinking, mate. That's absolute rubbish, you've always been a fun bloke, no drinks needed. You won't need to worry about that with Puddlemere," he continued, glad he could allay Mitch's concerns there. "For starters, Jamie and I would shut down anyone giving you trouble. But I don't think we'd have to. We're not really a partying team. Freddie and Sturgis used to go out more, but even they didn't give anyone trouble for not wanting to join them. Don't get me wrong, we do get together after practices or games fairly often, but it's usually to go to a pub. Lately we've been going to Jamie's. Well--mine and Jamie's, I guess I can say since you know now." Theo couldn't help the grin that tugged at his lips at saying that out loud. "There's usually beer and whiskey, but not everyone drinks it, and I know Jamie would agree with me that we'd be happy to just start serving tea instead if you wanted to join us. There's no pressure either way. Cal misses a lot of team get-togethers to look after his siblings, and we get it. But we'd definitely want you to hang out with us if you want to, and I think I can speak for everyone when I say we'd be happy to find ways to do that we'll all be comfortable with. That's what teammates are supposed to do, yeah? Support each other. And Puddlemere is great for that."

[mitchellbernford]

Mitch laughed when Theo said it was extremely awkward. "Locked down? Wait, like married," he asked with amused surprise. "Shit. That's a huge step." One he couldn't see himself taking but it wasn't like people their ages weren't getting married. It just felt huge. 'Really? That's weird. Or maybe not. What do I know. Just an expected tact. Man, I can't even imagine trying to navigate all of that," he added with a shake of his head. "But maybe I did get hit on then. Bloke or bird, I wouldn't wish that bloke on anyone though." Or anyone who was being loudly homophobic. Mitch didn't get it. Then again he'd never gotten why some people seemed to enjoy being dicks to other people just to be dicks.

"Have I," Mitch couldn't help asking. "Truthfully, I sometimes wonder with how people have been. But people get weird when you say you don't want a drink." Mitch could remember at school parties there were always people who didn't want firewhiskey, or anything else that might have been passing around. He'd never thought it was weird or odd. Sometimes he'd even been one of them. But he also knew that there was plenty of pressure to drink back then from some. He just assumed as they got older people would have gotten more chill about someone not wanting to drink for whatever reason. He gave Theo a smile of appreciation when he said they'd shut down anyone giving him trouble. It wasn't too much of a surprise to hear that Puddlemere wasn't a partying team. Even when he'd been there they hadn't been that much of one. More of a go to the pub sort. Which it sounded like they still were. The big surprise was hearing that Theo and Jamie lived together. Suddenly Theo's dad wanting to know when they were gonna marry didn't seem so rushed. He nodded when Theo said Cal still missed a lot of get together. A shame given the reason since the bloke really had a lot of responsibilities for his age. "Thanks Theo, that means a lot. I don't want to step on anyone else's fun. I'll probably avoid the pubs, but you blokes don't have to just serve tea. I survived a lot of dull cocktail parties with the ex without given in, I'm sure I can handle a team hang out. But again, it means a lot, thanks." Mitch was really touched by Theo's thoughtfulness. He'd sort of gotten used to people being otherwise. "So you and Jamie live together? I get your dad now," he added with a chuckle. "That's cool. Congrats on that."

[chasertheo]

"Thanks, mate." Theo's grin widened when Mitch said Jamie also got himself a good one. There was a time where he'd have doubted he was good enough for Jamie. He still felt like he'd somehow caught a snitch despite never being a seeker, but he also felt like he and Jamie were both good for each other. A good match. His smile softened when Mitch pointed out he was doing the bare minimum. Maybe that was true, but lots of people didn't do that. And it was nice how normal Mitch was being about the whole thing, a moment's surprise and then fine with it. Hopefully Mitch didn't think that was weird he was the second person Theo told. A handful of people knew Theo was gay at this point, but showing up at a gay club or the gay quidditch society, or saying yes when Malcolm asked him if he swung the same way he did, or even impulsively snogging Jamie, all felt very different than sitting someone down and telling them he was gay, and in that regard Mitch was the second. Theo also didn't want to minimize the fact he was telling Mitch second, because it was a choice he'd made when they heard Mitch might come back. Theo had wanted to tell him, as a prospective teammate and as a mate. So he just grinned sheepishly and said, "No offense, but as nervewracking as telling you was, it was a hell of a lot less terrifying than telling my dad." He gave another soft smile when Mitch said he was sorry he had to hide it, surprised and touched by the sentiment. "No, I'm afraid to admit that before Jamie my standards were questionable, at best," he admitted with a soft chuckle. "But thanks. I hope you know me never telling you wasn't really anything to do with you," he added. Mitch didn't seem at all offended, but Theo still felt like he should make sure Mitch knew that.

Theo figured that was the hard stuff out of the way, but then Mitch was surprising him. Theo waited patiently, wondering where this could possibly be going. Especially since it wasn't like Theo was a decision-maker here, though as the other senior chaser on the team he supposed he did have some input. The direction he went was a surprise, as was the revelation that he gave up drinking. Theo's eyebrows shot up at that as he listened, then winced in sympathy when Mitch said some girl he brought home had given a picture of him to the tabloids. That wasn't something Mitch deserved just for going out drinking and partying. But where he went next was an even bigger surprise. Rehab. "Wow," Theo said when Mitch finished, his mind reaching for the right thing to say to that revelation. Theo felt a pang of guilt as well. Mitch had been very into the party scene when they'd played together, and Theo had tried to gently encourage Mitch in other directions, but he clearly hadn't succeeded. He hadn't realized it had been that much of a problem for Mitch, though Mitch was far from the first quidditch player to have that kind of problem. "I'm relieved to hear its not unicorn blood," he began with a soft smile, hoping to relax Mitch a bit. "Good for you, mate. That can't have been easy. Deciding to go to rehab or going through it. I'm glad it helped. I mean, clearly it helped your game. But how have things been outside of quidditch?" Theo could only imagine going from nights full of partying to....not that, was a tough transition.

[mitchellbernford]

Mitch laughed in surprise at Theo's comment. "I mean that actually feels like a compliment. Though geez, mate, I can't even imagine how awkward that had to be." He'd never given any of this a thought but after the locker room talk about Cene he was more aware of the sort of shit Theo might have worried about. "I'm guessing it worked out for you. Which I'm glad about for you." He laughed when Theo said his standards were questionable. "Maybe there's some hope for me after all," he quipped in reply. "Nah, I didn't think that. If it had, I wouldn't have blamed ya. I was raised muggle, never heard about gay people but had I, I doubt it'd have been good things. Can't really ever tell with people. 'Preciate you saying so though." It was nice of Theo to make sure he knew that. But Mitch didn't blame him for keeping it to himself. "I'm pretty sure I got hit on by a bloke once. It was after a win and so I was kinda blitzed. Okay a lot," he added with an embarrassed laugh. "I could be wrong. Especially since the bloke was one of them talking trash about Cene. So like I said, never can tell about people."

He didn't usually talk about his past partying ways. It coming up and Theo having told Mitch something that was sort of an open secret made him decide to. Probably would be a good thing too because his not drinking anymore had caused some friction on his current team. Maybe he could avoid that with Puddlemere. He nodded when Theo said wow, it was no coming out as a gay bloke in a relationship with your captain but it was a lot. Mitch laughed when Theo made a little joke. "Not half as much as the unicorns I bet." He didn't expect the rest of what Theo said. Especially that question. "Thanks mate. When I saw it was messing with my game it was kind of easy. Easier I guess. Going muggle I managed to keep it quiet so that helped too." He didn't want that sort of attention. "But erm it's alright. Bit weird. Especially at first. Didn't realize how often I was going out or how much of socializing involved pints. Tried to just keep my head down, stay focused on the game. Team wasn't so thrilled. So just getting it out there now, drinks at the bar after a win I'm gonna bow out. Nothing personal." Because not just his go to the bar mates but the rest of his teammates too, all took it personally. "Got a little less boring after I got a girlfriend but she was usually pissed I wouldn't be more sociable. You know, cocktails with her mates, or drinks at a party. I became sort of a joke with her mates. More muscles then personality I heard one of them say. So anyway I'm back to just working out and keeping my head down," he told Theo with a slight shrug. "But I'm top of my game and my naked arse isn't selling tabloids." That was a win.

[chasertheo]

Theo smiled, nodding his agreement that it wasn't easy to find someone good for you. It had taken Theo a lot of trial and error to find his way to Jamie, despite knowing Jamie since his first year at Hogwarts. He wondered if that was something Mitch could relate to--Theo was pretty sure he'd seen something in a tabloid about Mitch's breakup with that Meadowes bird that Theo had been very surprised Mitch was dating in the first place--but while he'd like to know what was happening in his mate's life, he wanted to get the business out of the way first. It was comforting that Mitch seemed fine with Cene being gay. But Theo was still nervous, and the feeling only intensified as he saw the clear surprise on Mitch's face. He waited, apprehensive, but the surprise didn't shift to anything else. Instead Mitch way remarking on how he didn't pay attention, and before Theo could think of something to say to that, Mitch was the one taking Theo by surprise, clapping him on the back and telling him nice job like--well, like this was normal. Which--it was normal. But it also felt almost too easy. "Uh--no, that's okay," Theo managed to answer after a moment's pause, still floored at how smoothly this was going. "You're right, I did get myself a good one," he agreed, a wide grin pulling at his lips.

Mitch was definitely right about Theo getting himself a good one, and Theo liked hearing one of his mates acknowledge that's what Jamie was: Theo's. "But, er--if it helps, I dunno how much of its a matter of you not paying attention. I mean, I tried very hard to hide the fact I'm gay. And--we're not really out publicly either. But we're taking steps toward telling the people we care about, including the team. You're actually only the second person I've officially come out to, after my dad," he admitted with a soft smile. "A few other people know--including Jamie, obviously--but telling people still feels sort of strange. Thanks for taking it so well."

[mitchellbernford]

Mitch's smile widened when Theo agreed that he had gotten himself a good one. "So has Jamie. You're both good blokes." He was happy for them. Judging from Theo's grin they were clearly very happy together. It was nice to know he hadn't overlooked anything. Though that was fleeting. Mitch couldn't imagine having to hide who he was interested in. That sounded rough. He also was really surprised to find out that he'd ranked second after Theo's dad in finding out Theo was gay. "I dunno that that's something to thank me for. Feels more like the bare minimum. But I'm glad you felt comfortable enough to tell me. Well truthfully kinda floored that I'm only the second person," he added with a slight chuckle. "Sorry you've had to hide it. I can't imagine how rough that must be. I'd never have guessed you were hiding anything. Just figured you had better standards then most of us." Because the sort of birds that hung out at quiddtich things were not high standard at all. Mitch had not been planning on saying anything about his previous partying. But Theo being open about something so personal made him feel he ought to do the same. That it was maybe a good thing to do the same. "So uh on the subject of telling each other things before I go and sign any contracts I think it's my turn." Now he was the one hedging. "I know it's no secret that I had too many late nights there for a while. I don't do that anymore. The partying or the girls. I gave up drinking too. A pint or two wasn't the problem but it did make it a lot easier to get talked into a bunch of shots and end up with my arse literally in the tabloids thanks to taking home the wrong bird." He winced at that one, still an embarrassment despite the gossip moving on to someone else's low point. "I erm checked myself into a muggle rehab place. Thought getting away from temptation and clearing my head would be good. It was. Made staying out of bars and clubs despite my teammates' encouragements a lot easier. So that's the er secret to my comeback as the tabloids put it. Not unicorn blood or any of that other ridiculous tosh. Just good old fashioned sobriety."

[chasertheo]

Theo smiled softly when Mitch agreed that Puddlemere had something special. He was glad the attack on opening day hadn't ruined that, even if it had made things a little harder on all of them. Hopefully that wouldn't be a dealbreaker for Mitch, but it was a reality they had to deal with. Better for him to know they were still working through some of that than to be blindsided by it if he took the chaser spot. Also better to make sure he was on the same page about not caring that Cene--or anyone else, for that matter--was dating a bloke. Theo didn't really anticipate a problem there, but you could never be sure. So it was a relief when Mitch's only comments were that Cene's coming out had been surprisingly bold for him--very true--and that he was glad Cene had a better locker room experience than he'd have gotten somewhere else. Theo smiled at that. "Me too," he agreed, and he didn't feel like Mitch was holding anything back there. It felt genuine. Like he wouldn't be bothered. And if Theo was wrong, at least Mitch also knew now that Jamie wouldn't tolerate any sort of shit attitude about it. Nor would any of the rest of them. Mitch's addition, about Cene's fellow being a surprise, just eased any lingering concern. Theo laughed at that and nodded his agreement. "It's true, he's a reporter. That was probably the most surprising thing about the bloke. But he's a great bloke, seems good for Cene," Theo added, since they'd hung out at Tooker quidditch a few times and even had a couple low-key double dates. Which, on that note. Now was probably as good a time as any to let Mitch know about that.

"There is, er, one other thing you should know, if you're seriously considering coming back," Theo began, shifting a little. Theo didn't know why he suddenly felt so nervous, except this felt like a sort of dry run for telling the rest of the team. He wanted it to go well, for him and for Jamie. "Hopefully it's not a big deal to you," he added, very aware he was hedging now. Just get it out, is what Jamie would tell him. But so far his dad and the head coach were the only people who knew that weren't in the gay social club. And Jamie had told their coach. Theo ran a hand through his hair. This was good practice. It would get easier. "Er. Well. Jamie is still captain, obviously. And the thing is, erm....he and I are together. Dating," Theo tacked on, in case together wasn't clear enough. As soon as it was out he felt a little better, and a little more nervous. Though his lips did twitch in a little smile in spite of his nerves; it was kind of nice to get to say he was dating Jamie. "We've been very careful not to let it affect anything with the team," he added quickly, schooling the little smile back off his face because this was serious. "And the head coach knows. We're planning to tell the rest of the team soon, we've just been trying to find the right time. But we felt it was only right to let you know before you decide whether you want to come back."

[mitchellbernford]

Theo confirmed Cene's boyfriend was a reporter and Mitch shook his head in amusement. "Full of surprises," he repeated. "Glad he found someone good for him. Not easy." His ex hadn't felt like it. But then that might not be fair to her. Mitch wasn't sure he'd been that great of a boyfriend either. They'd been mismatched, that was certain. Theo's comment about something else he should know stopped him from thinking about girlfriends, or boyfriends. Instead he wondered what it was thanks to how nervous Theo seemed. Was it bad? Was it bad about him? The Jamie mention didn't help clear things up. Was Jamie not happy to have him back after all? Mitch didn't have to worry about processing what together meant, because dating sure as hell wouldn't have been his first thought. Except that was exactly what it meant. He tried to hide his surprise as Theo kept talking but it was difficult to focus on his words. 'You and Jamie? No shit? You're not yanking my chain er wand here?" Theo did not seem like he was so Mitch didn't pause for an answer. "I did not see that one coming either. Huh. I really don't pay attention do I?" Cause Mitch felt like maybe he ought to have noticed something all those times they'd been at various parties or what have you. A little of it was also thanks to Ted telling him what a shite friend he'd been. Not noticing Theo, or Jamie for that matter, were gay felt like it belonged in that category. "Got yourself a good one there mate, nice job." Mitch clapped Theo on the shoulder. "That's what I'd say if you were dating a bird so I hope that's okay here. If not let me know cause I haven't a clue, mate," Mitch told him honestly.

[normalted]

Ted was surprised by the emotion in Mitch's voice when he thanked him, but it made him feel like pushing the subject a little bit, giving Mitch an opening if he wanted someone to talk to, had been the right decision. A feeling that was confirmed when Mitch said he wasn't great company these days. If he wasn't great company, that meant he was going through something. And not drinking, apparently. Ted managed to hide his surprise pretty well, though he couldn't stop the slight raise of his eyebrows when Mitch said that. The last Ted knew, Mitch had been enjoying the quidditch player party lifestyle a lot. Maybe too much. That did seem to have died down lately, though. Ted had thought that was because of Daphne. Maybe it was partly. Or maybe it was because he'd decided to stop drinking. Ted wondered if that was a health thing or if there was more to it. From the way Mitch said it, it felt like there was more there. "Good thing there's plenty of other ways to hang out besides grabbing a pint," Ted reminded him with a small smile. "Maybe we could have a cup of tea and you can tell me about why you think you're not great company these days," he offered, because Mitch hadn't said no to talking to Ted and now Ted was pretty sure Mitch did need someone to talk to.

[mitchellbernford]

Mitch gave Ted a small smile back when the other said there were plenty of other ways to hang out. He wasn't wrong. It just felt like the invitations he got these days were either, 'Let's go to the club,' or, 'Let's grab a drink.' Ted's offer surprised him. They'd just got done talking about what a shit mate he'd been, worse then he'd thought. How the entire breakdown of their friendship seemed to be directly at his feet. Mitch was inclined to turn him down. It'd been a long time since he'd trusted someone fully. His first few years in the league he'd been burned trusting people. Stories and photos sold about him by people he'd trusted had soured him on fully letting people in. But Ted, who had plenty of stories and photos to sell had never done it. "Yeah, we can, if you want." It'd probably feel weirder not trusting Ted then trusting him. "It's not very interesting," he added with a small smile. It wasn't that he thought Ted was looking for fun gossip. Just that nothing going on with him was all that interesting. He was a lonely quidditch player, it felt pathetic more then anything.

[ceneweardtooker]

Mitch,

That's right, I forgot you've played with Theo! He is a great bloke, and a hell of a chaser. Glad you miss us a bit! And that things are going well on the new team.

Ha! You may be onto something there. And I'll take that, a bit of good is better than nothing. Ha! Yeah they seem to be following in your footsteps a bit there hopefully not too much no offense but I think you've got them beat for experience. Brilliant, looking forward to it!

Cheers,

Cene

[mitchellbernford]

Cene,

He really is a great bloke, we've stayed in touch. I was happy to find out that was one of the chasers you blokes were getting in. You blokes are great blokes too, be hard not to miss you. Thanks mate!

Ha! I think I've just spent far too long around people very into themselves. I imagine it might be more then a bit of good but agree, a chance to do good is worth taking. Ha! They can have it. Getting too old for it these days. That is the advantage of age, lots of experience. Me too!

cheers,

Mitch

[ceneweardtooker]

Mitch,

Thanks, mate! Yeah, they really are, it's a relief. It was worrying getting three new chasers all at once, but it's worked out. We still miss you, though! Hope things are good at your new team.

Ha! I dunno, I don't think I'm an icon of anything. Josh says you're right though. I'm just glad it seems to be doing some good for some people. Makes it feel worth it. Ha! Maybe a little, but still, I think you've got more experience with it than any of my other teammates. Brilliant! We've missed you, it'll be fun to have you. Swing by any Sunday, we'll catch up, play some quidditch and you can meet Josh.

Cheers,

Cene

[mitchellbernford]

Cene,

Welcome. I bet. But I could have put your mind at ease about one of them anyway. Theo is a hell of a bloke and player. Thanks mate. I miss you blokes too. We seem to be winning more then we're losing so I'd say things were good.

I've noticed people who think they are icons aren't as iconic as they think. I do think you are from what I've read. Which admittedly is not a lot but still some good. I'm glad it feels worth it any rate. Ha! I dunno those rookies of yours seem to be familiar with the press pretty well. But I do have a few years on them, you're right. Thanks mate. I'll come by next time I'm free on a Sunday. It'll be nice to catch up and meet your bloke.

cheers,

Mitch