lifetothefullest | [IC Inbox]

A friend said you're a decent psychiatrist... is this the right way to make an appointment?

[...What a ringing endorsement, and he's curious about what friend it might've been, but he's not going to complain. He'll also not mention the psychologist/psychiatrist difference because it really doesn't matter here, and besides that's way less important than helping someone who needs it.]

Yes, this works. Do you have a time of day you prefer?

Uh. Whenever Liv Moore isn't scheduled to work in the clinic. Unless you're willing to meet somewhere off site.

[ He doesn't want Liv or Ephemera to know he's speaking to someone. That'd kind of kill the point of reaching out. ]

I'm not entirely sure when she works, so it might just be best to meet somewhere else if that's fine with you.

[Although Lance does have a nice little office at the clinic, he doesn't mind talking to people in their apartments; he's made that arrangement with a few people now.]

I'm about to sound really sketchy, but there's an unoccupied apartment two doors down from me. Maybe there at around three?

[That definitely sounds sketchy, but considering some of the places and individuals Lance has met at or with he's not too concerned. Hopefully he won't regret that.]

It's fine; which apartment?

Spire 3, apartment 401?

Sure; I'll meet you there at three.

I'll leave it open.

[ When Sweets gets to the apartment he'll find the door unlocked, and Drake sitting on the couch in the living room staring out the window at Hadriel below. He turns his head at the sound of footsteps, rising to greet the good doctor and offering a hand to shake. His smile is easy and friendly. ]

Thanks for coming. You should be more careful, though... there's a serial killer running around.

[Lance arrives right at three, having taken the time to dress more professionally than he has been lately, although really what had slowed him down was the sudden need for coffee. But he'd made it on time, at least, even if he wasn't early.

He steps into the apartment cautiously, attention immediately going to Drake as he approaches, but Drake seems genuinely welcoming and so Lance goes ahead and risks shaking his hand.

Even if that last serial killer comment might not've been the best timing.]

Of course, you're welcome. And so I've heard, but dealing with serial killers is part of my job description, so no need to worry.

[Also there are a few serial killers running around in Hadriel, actually, but he's just... Not going to mention that just yet. No need to worry Drake.]

[ Drake only knows about the one and he's not happy about the murders so it's better that Lance doesn't bring the others up just yet. He shakes Lance's hand, his grip strong and warm, before he gestures to the seating in the living room. Take whatever seat you want, man. Drake settles back down where he was, on the couch, looking perhaps surprisingly comfortable. He's familiar with shrinks, and this one came with a good recommendation. ]

So where do you like to start with new people? Jump straight to the problem they come to you for and work from there, or get some background first?

[Lance follows Drake to the living room, looking around curiously to see what sense he can get of Drake's personality from what's in his apartment, but since he's here in a professional capacity he does limit the amount of nosiness a bit. He soon chooses a chair as directly across from Drake as possible.]

That depends mostly on what you feel comfortable sharing, as well as what you think I would need to know to understand your problem.

[Which has varied a lot here, considering some of the people in this place are a completely different species.]

Ultimately, it's up to you.

[ It's also not his place, it's an unoccupied apartment in the building because he doesn't want to risk having Lance over to his and Liv's place and her coming home unexpectedly. Too many questions. The space they're in is totally devoid of personal touches, to that effect. ]

Well... my problem's pretty simple, I just need to talk to someone about it and don't want to upset my friends. [ He takes a slow breath, then shrugs. ] I'm dead. Bet you hear that a lot here.

[Right, yes, this is a thing. Just blame Lance's nosiness on habit.

He nods a little at the response; unfortunately Drake is right, and Lance hears that problem here pretty often.]

I do, but that doesn't make it less serious an issue. I'm sorry.

[And he means that; dealing with one's own death is not an easy thing, and he also understands Drake not wanting to upset his friends with it whether or not they know. Lance has this same problem himself.]

I'd just ignore it and enjoy the fact that I'm not dead right now, but... my girlfriend's here. And she thinks I'm just missing still, that she can save me when she goes home.

I don't know if I should tell her.

[Oh. Yeah, that's a mess; Lance has enough of a problem dealing with what to tell or not tell Brennan, and hasn't wanted to think at all about what it would be like to have Daisy here. So he hesitates several seconds, but doesn't want to let the silence go on too long.]

That's... That's something I can help you work out your feelings and options on, but the actual decision will have to be yours alone.

[And honestly Lance isn't sure he's the best person to be dealing with this at all, but right now he is the only option as far as mental health professionals in Hadriel go considering the other two aren't dealing with patients.]

[ Drake nods in understanding, then rakes a hand through his hair and leans back against the couch cushions. ]

I mean. The fact that it bothers me so much lying to her probably means I should tell her the truth, right? But I don't know if that's what's best for her. Then again, someone else could show up from her world who knows... and that'd be worse..?

[He hesitates a few moments, not wanting to give too many opinions of his own and influence Drake's decision, but decides on a few questions to help direct his thoughts a little.]

If situations were reversed, what would you hope she did? And how would you feel if you found out due to an event or another person from your world, instead of being told by her?

I think... I wouldn't want to know. But I'd feel like shit if I found out due to something or someone else, and realized she'd been lying to me about it. So it's kind of one point against and then one for.

And it seems like this place likes to screw with us.

[He nods in understanding.]

It does; you'll have to consider whether or not it's worth the risk that she'll find out.

[And there's another issue--]

There are also your own feelings to be concerned with, even if you're mostly just glad to be alive here. Is keeping this a secret detrimental to you emotionally? Is it causing you to act differently toward her, or preventing you from enjoying having this time with her?

[He thinks it would for himself, if Daisy were here, even if it were just subconsciously.]

[ Drake blinks like this is a novel suggestion, that it could be affecting him emotionally in ways other than worry. ]

Shit, I didn't even think about that. I. Don't know? It's definitely stressing me out but I've only really been thinking about her end of things in the future. Not mine in the present.

[Thinking of everyone's feelings means everyone's feelings, including one's own, which are just as important. Or at least they are when Lance is advising other people about the subject, but do as he says and not as he does.]

That's probably something you should put more thought into before you make a final decision. Your emotions and well-being aren't more important than hers, but they're not less important either. Whatever decision you make should be the most beneficial to both of you, even if it's not perfect for either individually.

Edited 2017-09-13 02:56 (UTC)

You're right. I just... I need to think. It's not that I'm not used to keeping secrets, it's just that there's usually a really important reason for it. It's obvious why I need to keep them. This one is more like.

[ He hesitates, puzzling it through. ]

I think I'd feel better getting it off my chest. But it'd hurt her, and that'd hurt me too.

[He nods at that; he definitely gets it, better than he should say.]

Do you think the hurt it would cause you both would be greater than what it would be for you if you didn't tell her, or for both of you if she found out through an event or some other way?

I think it'd be easier for us both if she hears it from me. If I can break it gently enough.

Don't suppose you have any advice on that?

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