[Hyenadog]

Mitsuo didn't know it was possible to feel so down and empty. But the one thing that really helped was how Gil stayed close and connected to him. He needed his fiance more than he realized, and just being close to him helped pull him out of the dark place he'd fallen.

He was quiet as Gil helped him undress, making a face any time he moved the wrong way, but not making a noise. He laid back on the exam table, looking up at the ceiling for a moment before closing his eyes and squeezing Gil's hand. The doctor entered soon after, and he was relieved to see a doctor he recognized. She worked with his usual doctor, and he knew they were close. He didn't need to tell her not to let anyone know what he was.

The exam itself was painful, especially when she had to use a type of catheter to remove any infected tissue from his uterus. He whimpered and squeezed Gil's hand tight, but never once made her stop...There was always a worry at the back of his mind...What if this left him sterile? What if the infection got worse and he needed to have surgery.

But he didn't need to worry so much. He was tougher than that. And a few months on various antibiotics and bed rest was all he needed. Of course, he spent much of that time caring for their three children. Especially when Gil had to go away for business. He didn't mind staying home.