Triphilia - together forever | one-shots

Diagnosed |4|

After the difficult phone call to Mike and Nell, which was filled with more tears and good wishes, and some time to calm down and get ready, Mitch and Avi took Shelley out of town to their favourite trail along the cliffs. They enjoyed a long walk through the quiet nature followed by an early dinner at their favourite restaurant. 

"That was such a nice day" Shelley said as they were home again and enjoying a cup of tea on the patio. 

"It was" Mitch agreed. "And such a nice distraction."

"Talking about distraction... you still need to pack your bag, Mitchy..."

Mitch sighed. "I know, but I don't know what I'll need... I never was in hospital before."

Shelley smiled. "I can help you, I have some experience." 

"Thank you" Mitch said. "I'd pack too much stuff otherwise."

"That's not wrong" Avi said with a grin on his face. "Is there anything you want to do afterwards?" 

Mitch looked at Shelley and then at his husband. 

"Don't mind me" the elderly woman said. "I'll retire to the guest room after we packed your bag. I want to call Michael real quick."

"Okay" Avi said. "Tell him that I could drive you back home, too. Once Scott is here..." 

"No, I won't make you leave LA" she said. "Michael can pick me up, or I'll take the bus. Don't mind me. Focus on yourself, that's more important right now." 

"Yes, Mama" Avi said with a soft grin on his face. 

"Good" Shelley said with a grin on her face. 

Avi smiled at his mother and then looked back at his husband. "So, what do you want to do?" 

"A bath? I would like to take a bath please... with you would be great, but if you don't want to, I'll go alone" Mitch replied. 

Avi smiled. "A bath it is" he said. "I'll get it ready while you're packing." 

"Sounds good Avi, thank you" Mitch said happily. 

Avi smiled back at his husband. "You are so very welcome."

Shelley smiled fondly at her son and son-in-law, before she emptied her cup of tea and looked to Mitch. "Shall we? The quicker we get you all set up, the quicker you'll be in the bathtub in Avi's arms." 

Mitch emptied his cup as well and got up. "You got me at 'in Avi's arms' he said." 

Avi chuckled. "I'll tidy up" he said. 

"Thanks, dear" Mitch replied and led Shelley up into his closet space. "Sooo..." he said. "I don't have a clue what to bring instead of underwear."

"Well, I think that you'll wear a hospital gown for most of the examinations, but you should take pyjamas for the night, some comfortable clothes for the day, unless you want to wear pyjamas all the time" Shelley explained. 

"Oh no, yoga pants were invented for a reason" Mitch said. "Do you think I'll need much?" 

"Remember, Scott and Avi can always bring you fresh clothes" Shelley said. "And you don't know, yet how long you'll be staying. Maybe pack for two to three days and then see about it?" 

"True..." Mitch chose a small overnight bag and set it on one of his lower chests. He took a few things Shelley advised him to take and packed them up with shaky hands. 

Shelley noticed that something was wrong and approached Mitch from behind. "Mitch..." she said softly. "What's on your mind?"

"What if... what if I have it?"