Stuck (Mitch)

[Dr. Robert Terrell]

Backdated to the Beginning of August


Rob had not started the day off well. He’d gotten ready as usual early in the morning to take Emma for her morning run, only to discover the least helpful thing in possibly all the universe.

The damn elevator was broken. This wasn’t the first time, either. Sure, the building was getting on in years, but part of his rent surely went towards building maintenance. After taking Emma down the stairs, he’d cut their run a little shorter than most mornings, because he had a phone call to make.

Once they were back and Emma was fed and watered, Rob avoided the bedroom, going so far as to lightly close the door so as not to disturb Mitchell. He didn’t want to wake him up to this.

This was a rather abrupt and caustic phone call to the landlord, who assured him that it was being worked on, and that unfortunately he didn’t exactly have an estimated time that it would be finished, no. Which only served to make Rob that much more irate over the situation. If the phone had been corded, he would have slammed it back into the cradle as he hung up. Instead, he just threw it across the couch and heaved a sigh. Now to tell Mitchell.

Hoping the phone call hadn’t roused his husband, Rob inched in, not even caring that he was still wearing a somewhat sweaty t-shirt from his run. “Mitch?” He had to do this gently. Like giving a patient bad news. ... Only he was telling his husband that he would be stuck in the apartment for the foreseeable future.

Not how he wanted to start the day, no.

Once Mitch seemed reasonably awake, he sighed as he looked at him. “Mitch, the elevator’s broken. So, ah... it’s... probably best if you didn’t try dealing with the stairs.” His expression turned apologetic. “It should only be for a few days, though. That’s all. I can stop by the store on my way home and make sure we’re well stocked in everything.” He was somewhat rambling now, but he didn’t care. “Or I can try to rearrange my schedule and take some time off so you aren’t alone...? Just tell me what you need.” Before he could get on with his day, he needed to sort this, first.

[Mitchell Terrell]

Rob had stirred Mitchell when he had left for his run, but Mitchell had easily rolled back over and fallen asleep. He liked to make the most of days like the ones he’d been having lately, where he wasn’t feeling much pain, because he knew all too well that there were days when the pain got so bad sleep was simply not an option. Not without chemical assistance, at any rate. Besides, Rob always woke him up before he went to work so it wasn’t like he was going to miss his husband.

When he was stirred again Mitchell rolled over lazily, rubbing at his eyes and smiling softly as he heard Rob’s voice. “Hey. Good run?” The smile faded, however, when he heard the note of concern in his husband’s tone.

Mitchell shuffled on the bed, propping himself up on his elbows as Rob spoke. He tried to keep his face neutral, but he knew he wouldn’t have been able to fully mask the look of horror as the realisation of what Rob was saying sank in fully. Mitchell thought that, if he had a couple of hours to do it, he might just be able to get down the steep, narrow stairs without completely breaking his neck. Getting back up them, however, was never going to happen. He was effectively stranded in their apartment. His stomach knotted in nausea, his usual feelings of useless frustration joining right alongside it.

“A few days…” Mitchell tried to keep the worry out of his voice, but he wasn’t even convincing himself with that. As much as Mitchell desperately wanted Rob to stay home with him so he didn’t have to face being trapped alone, he gave a small shake of his head at Rob’s offer. “No, you need to go in. You’ve got that departmental review coming up you need to be ready for.” Mitchell gave a quiet laugh, trying to force a humour he simply did not feel. “Tawney will pitch a fit if you’re not there to bully everyone into behaving for it.”

Knowing that Rob would want to feel helpful in some way, and knowing that he himself would need something to be doing over the next few days while he was stranded, Mitchell did decide to make a suggestion. “If you have time on the way home, could you stop in at GameStop for me? Lego Jurassic World came out the other week, and I’ve not had chance to pick it up yet.”

[Dr. Robert Terrell]

Rob truly felt awful for having to wake Mitch up with news like this. What he wouldn’t give to have a normal morning, waking Mitch up before showering and making breakfast... waking him up again for breakfast... Instead, he had this. And the look on his husband’s face broke his heart. Rob was used to reading expressions, and despite the neutrality, he could see past it.

Today was not going to be a good day. Not by a long shot.

A large part of him wanted to say screw the departmental review. The smaller, more logical part of him reminded him that Mitch was right, and that Tawney would have his head on a silver platter if he even tried to call in. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, Mitch was right. He needed to be there to oversee the team, and, loathe as he was to admit it, yes, bully everyone into behaving. “I could say screw it,” he murmured thoughtfully, knowing full well he couldn’t. Sighing, he hung his head a little. “But you’re right. Tawney would kill me if I don’t go.” Much as Mitch couldn’t keep the horror off of his face, Rob couldn’t keep the anxiety off of his own. He didn’t want to leave Mitch alone, not today. He had to find a way to fix this that didn’t involve banging on the door of the building manager until the damned elevator was fixed.

Mitch’s request surprised Rob, but rather than letting it show, he just smiled at him. “Of course I’ll do that. And once you’re up properly, text me what you want me to pick up from the store.” Leaning down to kiss him, he also reached for his hand and squeezed it gently. “I’m just going to shower, then get breakfast ready. Get up when you’re ready?”

After breakfast, and trying his best to reassure Mitch, Rob finally left the apartment with a growing knot of discomfort settled deep in his stomach. Sure, he could pick up groceries and the game for Mitch, but that didn’t feel like enough. He had to do something.

Inspiration hit him just after he got to his office. A quick phone call, followed by a second, put his plan into motion. Hopefully it would be helpful for Mitch until the damned elevator got fixed.

~~~~
Lilly impatiently buzzed the button that linked to Rob and Mitchell’s apartment, multiple bags in hand and a mischievous grin on her face. The moment Mitch answered, she pressed the button again to talk to him. “Mitch! It’s Lilly! Let me up! I have presents!” She bounced up on the balls of her feet when the door buzzed to let her in, and barrelled up the stairs once she had access. Once she reached the boys’ floor, she knocked on the door and resumed her bouncing. Among her bags she had treats, games, and a special bag courtesy of her brother. He’d called in and paid for the game Mitchell had asked for, and she’d picked it up on her way over. Yes, it was almost noon, but she didn’t care. “Mitch Mitch Mitch Mitch Mitch Mitch Mitch!” She loved her brother in law, and it had been much, much too long since she’d last seen him. She’d been happy to comply with Rob’s request. Her position at work was flexible, and she’d been there long enough to earn some flex time, especially when it came to family emergencies. Which this totally was.