A/n: Shorter than normal but here you go.

Comment and vote!

Love lots, -AV

Mitch was chatting with his friend's when Kirstie pulled her laptop from her bag. He was thoroughly confused as to why she would need it right then when they were just catching up. He didn't notice the sly grins on Kevin and Jeremy's face either.

Kirstie continued to open the device and log into Skype without saying a word to anyone. Soon Mitch heard the familiar chiming indicating that the call was connecting.

"Guys what is go..." Mitch cut himself off as his boyfriend's figure appeared on the screen. Scott smiled brightly, Mitch could tell that much, even though the connection wasn't great and the picture was slightly pixilated. He could also see Avi sitting beside him. 

"Mitchy? Baby boy?"

"It's me Scotty, I'm here. How? Why?" Mitch looked at the faces of his friends for some sort of explanation.

Rashad made himself visible behind the pair of boys and waved.

"He's how," Avi spoke up.

"Hey Av!"

"Hey Kevy, I missed you today."

"Missed you too baby. Hey Scott, what's up?"

Scott didn't reply, he was too lost in looking at the boy he loved, even if it was through a computer screen with shotty resolution. There was a few beats of silence before Mitch spoke up again. Scott could tell that he was crying as he leaned forward, closer to the camera.

"Scotty, I miss you."

"Me too. So much... I love you."

"I love you too, so much. Hey, babe, guess what!?"

"What?"

"I ate breakfast today and didn't toss my cookies at all."

"Oh baby, that's fantastic! Have they said when you can go home?"

Mitch visibly deflated, "no, Dr. Fletcher is reevaluating me Monday. But I can't leave until I've gained at least 15 pounds." 

"You'll get there honey, I believe in you."

"Thanks Scooter."

They talked for a few more moments before Rashad announced that he needed to get the pair back to their cell in time for dinner so no questions would be asked. His imperativeness made the entire group of teens realize that the man was sticking his neck out considerably just so Scott could see Mitch for a few moments.

Avi said a quick goodbye to everyone, dragging his boyfriend's out for a bit. The pair ended by making kissy faces to each other, Kev promising to be back for visitation the following day.

Then it was Scott and Mitch's turn. Kev, Jer, and Kirst made their way out of the frame in order to give the two some semblance of privacy. Scott leaned in as close as he could to the screen without physically touching it and pressed a kiss to the air.

"Virtual kisses just aren't enough Scotty."

"I know but... well, for right now they have to be. Soon, okay?"

"Okay."

"Get better and come see me."

"I will."

"I love you so much words can't express  it Mitch Grassi."

"I love you too baby, unconditionally. Bye Scott."

"Bye Mitchy."

With that Rashad reached between his two residents to click the end call button, Mitch's image disappearing as he did so.

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Seeing Scott, even through a simple video chat call was enough encouragement for Mitch to continue to push through. That evening at dinner, he managed to eat 75 percent of his plate. Granted the nurse had given him some anti-nausea medication to help him. The next morning he ate half his breakfast then all of his lunch and half of his dinner. He even accepted the snack that Dr. Fletcher brought into the group session.  It was clear that Mitch was making progress and that excited the older man.

Saturday at his morning weigh in Mitch could have jumped for joy. He had gained 13.9 pounds. Just a bit more and he could go home.

It was a struggle but he managed to eat all of his breakfast and lunch that day. The thought that he was just one pound away from home, one pound away from Scott was pushing him to eat more.

Sunday was more of the same, all of breakfast, all of lunch. But then at dinner his stomach decided to stop cooperating. He had forced down much of his meal, it had taken him nearly 45 minutes to eat the small plate but he was determined. He only had a few bites of beans and rice left when his insides flipped and he was sent rushing to the trashcan. 

He sobbed as his dinner made a reappearance. All his hard work over the past few weeks felt like it was sitting in that garbage can. A nurse helped him up and got him settled back in his room. He was nervous for that afternoon's weigh in. Terrified that everything he puked up would cause the number on the scale to drop too low and ruin his chance at leaving tomorrow.

Rather than the usual nurse, it was Dr. Fletcher himself that came to check on Mitch that night and perform his second weigh in of the day.

Before Mitch stepped up on the scale, Dr. Fletcher stopped him.

"Mitch, I know you've been working hard these past few weeks and I just wanted to let you know that no matter what the numbers say tonight, I've seen real progress from you."

"Thanks Dr. Fletcher." Mitch tried to smile at the man but it came off as more of a grimace as he stepped on the scale, eyes closed, too scared to look at the result.

He heard Dr. Fletcher chuckle and was confused so he peeked at the man through one eye.

"Look Mitch, look what you've done."

15.2 pounds. He had done it.

Mitch threw his arms around his doctor, "thank you, thank you, thank you."

"Hey, this is all on you. You had to want to get better and work for it. You've earned it."

Mitch wiped at his eyes while nodding as the man continued.

"I'll go let your parents know. You go ahead and pack up. We'll discuss at home therapy tomorrow before I release you. Sound good?"

"Sounds perfect!"

Mitch quickly threw everything into his duffle bag and set down to tell Scott that he would see him tomorrow.