7/17
Author: BmblBee
Paring: S/X
Rating: Adult NC17
Warnings: M/M sexual situations, adult language, reference of violence.
Disclaimer: The Bee owns nothing in this world but her own peace of mind.
I have no claim on any of the characters or products named and make no profit
from my stories.
Summary: AU (Human? Vampire?)
This is the simple tale of a successful psychiatrist with a busy practice.
Dr. Alexander Harris lives and works in the rich and colorful area of the Florida Keys
and everything about his life seems right on track. Then, one day a man comes to
him for help. He is troubled with a history of violence that he hopes therapy can
teach him to control. Clear cut? Maybe not.
As always, thanks to the wonderful Petxnd for the amazing banners and loyal friendship
The session between the two colleagues was extensive and intense. It gave
Alex the chance to lay bare all of his fears, frustrations and confusions. As any
good friend and therapist would, Jack listened intently asking questions only
when he felt it would encourage thoughtful contemplation and never giving his
opinion outright. It was just what Alex needed and when the older man did
speak, Alex hung on every word.
It was no secret that Alex swam in a pool of hero worship when it came
to his mentor. Jack Elliott was tall and trim. He was physically fit for a
man in his 60's and appeared much younger. His hair was salt and pepper
and his air cool and aloof. He inspired confidence in his patience and peers
alike. To Alex, he was a super man. He had reached into the dark, taken
Alex by the hand and led him into the light. If it hadn't been for Jack Elliott,
Alex would still be insane.
When he was strong enough, Jack Elliott used his influence to get Alex back
into school. He got him tutors, scholarships, internships, residencies, and
positions that even Alex knew he didn't deserve. He knew the man had
put himself on the line professionally for Alex, and Alex vowed that Jack
would never regret it.
By lunch time, Alex felt much better. He had been able to look at the situation
with clear, rational thought. He still had no answer for his response to Spike
or the man's story, but sometimes not having all the answers is o.k. Sometimes
just having a solid grip on the questions is the best you can hope for.
"Shit, Jack, I didn't realize it was so late. I've taken up most of your morning."
Jack smiled warmly.
"Don't worry about it, Alex. I'm just glad you came to see me. I'm still
concerned about you. Why don't you come over to my place tomorrow evening.
We can have dinner and just talk a bit more. We haven't gotten together for
much too long."
Alex rose to his feet and flexed out the kinks that had locked up in his back
from sitting. He reached out his hand toward his friend.
"Thanks, Jack. Um, I'm not sure what I have going on tomorrow, but I promise
I'll call you the first chance I get."
Jack took his hand but instead of shaking it, he pulled the younger man into his
arms and he patted him affectionately on the back, whispering in his ear.
"Take care of yourself, Alex. You know you are like a son to me and this job
can take a real toll on us. Please, take my advise and refer this patient off.
If you can't treat him objectively, you can't treat him. Please, for both your
sakes, refer him off."
Alex relaxed and reveled in the warmth of the older man's arms. It did him more
good than all their previous hours of talking. He rested his forehead on Jack's
shoulder for a moment then pulled away.
"I'll think about it, Jack. I promise I'll think about it. Thanks for everything."
As Alex turned and walked away, Jack Elliott frowned as something churned
in side him. Alex's promise had the ring of 'good bye' to it and Jack felt the
same fear for his boy that he had in the beginning when sanity was still only
a possible prognosis.
Surprisingly, Alex felt better. He no longer had the weight of a full grown
elephant perched on his shoulders and he could step back and take a more
rational look at the situation. He had the rest of the afternoon to think about the
referral.
With things somewhat settled, Alex was free to enjoy an afternoon of no
appointments, no patients and no obligations. He could do whatever the hell he
wanted and what he wanted was a long leisurely walk in the park. It was a luxury
that he used to consider mentally medicinal. Clear your mind, feed the pigeons and
watch the people walk by.
And that's what he did. He bought a hot dog from a street vendor, a coffee from
the local Starbucks, and an ice cream from a man dressed as a clown driving a
rainbow colored van. He strolled down the winding paths through the peaceful
flowers and he sat on benches watching mothers play with their children.
He held a conversation with a young man who ask Alex if he was also unemployed
and Alex lied, telling him that yes, he was. He listened patiently as the man
lamented his efforts to find work and he offered some suggestions.
It was only when he registered the greatly decreased number of people around
him that he realized the sun was about to set. He was stunned to look at his watch
and see that he had been in the park for nearly 8 hours. A full work day of
doing absolutely nothing. He couldn't remember the last time that had happened.
If ever.
It was time to go. He needed to get back to his own place and call it a day.
Still, he made no move to leave. It was is if his butt were super glued to the
wooden slats of the uncomfortable bench. As if he were waiting.
"Been here long? You have the look of a man who's been playing hookie."
Alex closed his eyes then opened them. He didn't need to turn his head
to know the owner of that voice. The amused lilt, the deep rolling accent,
the sultry suggestive tone.
"We shouldn't be talking, Spike. Your appointment isn't until next Tuesday
and we shouldn't be socializing outside the office. How did you find me?"
Alex finally forced himself to face the man beside him. Spike sat with
his arm thrown over the back of the bench and his legs were stretched out
impossibly long in front of him.
"Don't worry, Doc. I'm not a stalker. Just so happens this park is near my
apartment. I come here often in the evening. It's quiet. Cool. Peaceful."
Alex nodded sagely. It made sense. It was why he was here. That and to
think about Jack's strong advise that he refer Spike off. A decision he wasn't
aware he had made till his mouth opened.
"I don't know if I can treat you, Spike. Sometimes a patient and therapist
just don't click. It's no ones fault. It's nothing personal. It's me. I....."
"So you're dumping me? I lay my soul bare to you and you just kick me to
the curb?"
Alex was horrified. He jumped to his feet and turned to face him.
"NO! No, I'm doing this for you. I'm dealing with something personally
right now and I just can't give you all the time and attention you deserve. I
really want the best for you, Spike and to be honest, right now that isn't me."
Spike calmly shrugged as though Alex had just told him that his socks didn't
match. Frankly, it wounded Alex far more deeply than it obviously affected Spike.
Chalking it up to a damaged ego, Alex stepped back.
"Well, then I guess there is nothing more to say. If you call my office first thing
in the morning, I will have Iris give you the name of another very qualified therapist.
She can even set up an initial appointment for you."
Spike pulled his legs back and leaned over resting his elbows on his knees. He
looked up as the blue light from the street lamps glowed behind his therapist's
head like a halo. The man looked like an angel.
"Sure, sounds good. Course now that I am not your patient anymore there
is no reason why we can't go out and have a bite together, is there?"