True Love

37. Meeting

Sunday morning. Mitch woke up the same time as Avi. He knew how much Avi was feeling nervous, and wanted to be by his side from the very first second of this day, as he had been during the past two weeks.

After breakfast, they were in their bedroom, trying to decide what to wear... Avi was unusally indecisive.

- I can't wear a suit! This would be too much... But I need to be rather neat though... Oh! Damn!

- I have an idea.

Avi turned to Mitch, holding two shirts, his gaze rather lost.

- I will choose what you wear, and you'll do the same for me, smiled Mitch.

A relieved smile lit up slowly Avi's face.

- That's a very good idea, Mitchie, he replied softly.

They switched places in front of the wardrobes, and Mitch was rather proud of himself, seeing Avi's happy smile replacing his previous worried expression.

Mitch selected the emerald shirt he had chosen for Avi in January, when they had been shopping together for the first time... He found trousers matching with it and turned to Avi. His heart fluttered: Avi had picked up the garnet red shirt he had chosen for Mitch that same day...

When realisation hit Avi's mind, he seemed to melt. He set the shirt he was holding on an armchair and walked to Mitch who had just time to get rid of the clothes he was holding himself. Avi wrapped his arms around him and kissed him tenderly, then buried his face in the young man's neck, whispering:

- I wouldn't have make it through last weeks without you. I love you.

Mitch, deeply moved, tightened his embrace.

- I did nothing more than what I should have done from the beginning, Avriel. I love you too.

After a short pause, he added:

- You know what?

Avi pulled away a little and met his gaze.

- I think our choices are sign of good luck, smiled Mitch.

*****

They were in the parking of the restaurant, beside their car, holding hands, waiting. Avi spotted his parents' car and squeezed Mitch's hand. Mitch answered the same way.

The car parked and Avi's parents and Esther got out. Their mother walked directly to Avi and took him in her arms, tenderly. Then she turned to Mitch, of whom Avi had not let go the hand. She took his free hand in hers and greeted him with a smile.

- I'm so happy to meet you.

- I'm really happy too, answered Mitch shyly.

He felt Avi letting go of his hand to hug his father. They remained tightly embraced a few seconds without a word. Then Avi's father turned to Mitch with a serious yet peaceful face.

- So here's the young man who brings so much happiness in my son's life.

He shook his hand firmly and Mitch did his best to hold his gaze.

Esther, who was hugging Avi, pulled Mitch in their embrace as soon as her father freed his hand.

- Hello you two! Show us the way now, I'm starving!

The two young men laughed, Avi's parents smiled and followed, holding hands.

During the meal, the conversation centered on the current events concerning PTX, the achievements, the projects. Avi's father managed to make Mitch answer as often as possible, and Mitch soon forgot his shyness. The only subject that remained avoided was the video of their song and the outcry it had caused in the media.

When they were about to leave the restaurant, Avi's father asked him:

- We would love to see your place, if you agree...

Avi's eyes sparkled.

- Of course!

*****

They returned to their cars and headed to Avi and Mitch's house. During the ride, Avi and Mitch were unable to say a single word. Mitch's hand on his, Avi was smiling so widely that it almost hurt. They glanced at each other a few times, but the hope in their eyes was so intense that they couldn't hold their gaze for long.

When they got into the house, Mitch offered to make some coffee and tea and Esther went to help him in the kitchen. Avi showed their home to his parents.

- That's nice, commented his father. And you have space to make music. Are you working on something on your own?

- Yes, we both are actually. We won't be on Tour before next February, our full length album is successful, and we won't make a new one before a while. Only promotion, and maybe one or two videos on YouTube. It's a perfect moment for this.

They settled around the coffee table. Avi was between Mitch and Esther on the couch, his parents facing them in armchairs. Avi's father took a sip from his cup of tea.

- I know you've been through a tough moment, Avi. I won't apologize, you know there's no matter to, and it wasn't easy for me either.

Avi nodded, grabbing Mitch's hand reflexively. His father smiled slightly.

- I see how deep and sincere is the bound between you. I see how happy you are, my son. And I appreciate what I discover about you Mitchell.

- Thank you, blew Mitch.

- It wasn't against you, I hope Avi was able to tell you.

- Yes he did. But I've been doubting a lot though. I didn't want to cause him any pain, even indirectly...

- This honors you, answered Avi's father thoughtfully. You know what? I've been deeply shocked by the reaction of some media around your video. In case I don't feel really comfortable about something, and even if I am to disapprove it, I can't accept such disrespect towards anyone. I was rather proud of your reaction. This has been part of my thinking.

Mitch and Avi smiled, gratefully surprised by this statement. So he had watched the Ellen show?

- Anyway, I wish to let all this behind us now. Comes a meaningful time of the year. I will speak honestly: I don't feel able yet to welcome you both at home for Hanukkah this year. But Avi's mother and I would be pleased to have you at home around Christmas, according to your schedule, and also your own family's engagements Mitchell.

Avi stared at his father as if he couldn't believe what he had just heard. His mother was smiling softly, gazing at him tenderly. He felt Esther's hand resting slightly on his knee. Suddenly, he got up, and so did his father. They moved around the table and his father pulled Avi in a long warm hug. Avi eventually muttered with a shaky voice:

- Thank you so much!

His father patted his back fondly.

- You are so much your mother's son in these moments!

Everyone laughed and the atmosphere relaxed. Avi's mother got up in turn and reached her arms to Mitch. Hugging him, she said:

- Welcome in the family, Mitchell.