Intertwined

Doctors and Dates

A/N: Thank you to an804u for my new book cover. I love it so much. It really is perfectly my Mia and Char and their story so far.

TW: blood tests and medical procedures

Charlotte watched Mia sitting in the soft lounge of the waiting room, as she walked back in the clinic with their hot drinks; chamomile and honey tea for the redhead, and a caramel latte for herself. 'Thank you, sweetheart,' Mia's voice was shaky and quiet, but she sighed and relaxed her shoulders as she took a sip. The brunette laced her hand into her fiancé's and smiled, 'We do this together, like aways,' a soft flutter floated through the redhead's chest at Charlotte's words, soothing her rushing nerves.

'Amelia Roberts,' the doctors voice, hopeful and the two women stood as though following a guiding light, towards her office. 'Please take a seat ladies,' the doctor gestured to the two plush seats opposite her own. It was odd to the women that they were sat around a coffee table, not at a desk, to create distance and formalities. This was more like a lounge, a meeting of friends than the doctors' offices they were used to. Charlotte and Mia sat and immediately linked their hands. The doctor noticed and smiled before continuing, 'I'm Doctor Miriam Navarro, but you can call me Miriam,' the two women smiled nervously back at her, nodding slightly. 'Let me reassure you that it is completely normal to be nervous, scared even. We want to make sure that we help you every step of the way and that there are no questions you cannot ask,' For the first time that day Mia felt like she could breathe without pressure, and she could feel a sudden urgency push through her, 'When can we start?' Her question falling with a slight crash and cheeks flushed pink at the realisation, her excitement and nerves were on full display. The redhead's eyes focused on Charlotte who smiled with a giggle and squeezed Mia's hand.

'Well let's talk about the stages of the IVF process and where we will go from here,' Dr Navarro's warm smile instantly putting both women at ease, like they were having afternoon tea with a friend, not being led through clinical notes in a cold room.

***

Leni felt guilty relying on Loukia and Galen so much these last few years. You don't plan on having children to care for you when they are still really children themselves, to be babysitters of their younger siblings, because you're stuck in bed or away in a hospital far from your home. Marcus had gently suggested that the kids come and be in the cafeteria of the university hospital, but Leni wasn't sure how long the appointment would be and, ever protective, she worried they would see something in her after the appointment that might give away news, news she wouldn't be ready to tell them.

'Eleni Komninos,' the slight framed genetic doctor offered a kind smile to the couple as they stood and walked cautiously to her office. Leni thought about what she already knew about her condition, the treatments she already had and how her body had been feeling. She made a mental list in her head, the blood transfusions, the antibiotics that worked and which ones didn't, the calcium and magnesium infusions that required an extended stay in hospital to monitor her heart and kidneys afterwards, the medicines and supplements that helped improve the energy levels in her depleted body. Marcus stroked the back of her hand for reassurance, his own and his wife's, as the doctor began to ask questions and lay out a plan for further treatments and investigations.

'I understand this can be very daunting for you Eleni, and your family,' the doctor kindly gestured to Marcus, his smile alluding to the fear he held for his wife and the journey ahead of them. 'Please doctor Shaw, call me Leni, we're probably going to be seeing a lot of each other over the next while,' The blonde's green eyes still had their sparkle. 'Well in that case Leni, please feel free to call me Lee, it's short for Leanne, but only my parents call me that when I'm in trouble,' a kind and knowing smile, as they exchanged the laying down of their relationship beyond the medical procedures and diagnosis, something that Lee had come to realise was just as important as the medicines she would prescribe.