Stephen's Office.{Mature-open}

Connor had not been to see Stephen in a while as he had needed some space after he had taken his pills away. He was still a little pissed over that but after a while he let it go, deciding to go back to see him. He had sense been taken off pain pills and put on a nerve pill to help with the nerve damage he had. Walking into Stephen's office his cane lightly clicking on the floor as he walked even though it had rubber on the bottom it still made a slight noise. Limping at the same time he walked up to the receptionist. "Is he in today?" He knew that Stephen made good money and more than likely had tons of patients. But hey is was worth a shot to come and see him at least to see how he had been working out with the whole Connor thinking he was in the closet.

Dressed in a black suite with a black tie he still had a bit of brown in his hair but it did have hints of grey here and there. Yeah if he thought about it, it had been almost a year since they had last spoken. Connor had, had a busy life so he figured best to just stay away. When the receptionist said yes, he nodded making his way over to Stephens door and knocking a smile upon his lips. Turning the knob he opened the door. "Hello there..." He trailed off hoping he was not disturbing a session that he might have going. Licking his lips a part of him wondered if Stephen would even remember who he was.

Today Stephen had no client at work. He had told his receptionist to make sure that if anyone came in to send them straight into his office. The day was pretty much as it usually went very Bland and uneventful. He sat behind his desk in his large leather high-back chair gazing at the paperwork on his desk. He had several clients that needed to come in later this week and in order to deal with his patients he had to spend time with them and see what the true diagnosis was. As a therapist he took great pride in being a doctor to help people of the mind. He believed that what he did every day even if it was just listening to someone it did help a very great deal. His will age to face stare down at the photo of the young man and the picture. The boy was no older than around 21 and extremely young and carefree. Because of this Michael had a very open person ality to the world. This meant that all he wanted to do was have fun and party but his family noticed that there was something a bit wrong with him. This of course led to them sending young Michael to Stephen. And of course with Steven being a very mellow person and extremely laid-back, he considers himself a very cool kind of guy. Michael on the other hand, saw Stephen as a threat and authority figure he just had to lash out against constantly. That seemed to be the way that youth worked these days.

Startled when the knock came to the door Stephen quickly looked up. He had been lost in his thoughts about his young patient and because of this he had not expected to see such a familiar face. It took a moment for him to realize and understand that the man that was standing in the doorway was not some Phantom or a figment of his imagination. And the man in front of him was an old patient he had not seen in what seem to be over a year. Therapist offered him a happy but slightly bitter smile. How dare he come back after an entire year and walk in as if he had owned the entire place?!

"Connar you old dog... Good to see you. Take a seat. Run out of refills?" He said teasing him about his old habit.

Connor just watched the man seeing him get started then a look of recognition showing and he smiled lightly no bitterness no nothing. Making his way into the office and closing the door limping his way over to a chain to sit down. He could somewhat tell the other was kinda unnerved about this. A part of him wondering if he should have come at all. "Good to see you too." Moving to sit down finally and adjusting himself in the chair holding his cane with one hand. "As far as refills go I am no longer on those pills, I finally had a doctor who knew what was wrong with me and why I am in such pain and they gave me gabapentin." Steven should know what that is as it is also used for seziurs. "Anyway I had just decided to come see you see how things are going maybe talk..have some coffee or brandy together like we did before." Smiling he seemed happier than he had been before."but if you would rather I leave I can do that too."

A look of concern came over him, but then soon he relaxed hearing about the new medication. Beverly's mother took such a medicine herself. So he knew the most partying Connor was doing was having a sleep over. "Well, i guess ONE drink wont hurt. And-" Stephen said as he stood up. He walked to his bookshelf and reached to the top. He pulled down a glass container, then filled his glass and gave a silent toast to Connor. "-you can watch me drink it. Not good to mix your meds with booze if you are driving!" He gave Connor a teasing smile and downed the shot of Brandy. It was clear he was angry. But he was trying to hide it. "...So, what brings you back to me?"

Connor watched him able to see her was frustrated now. Though as the other got up to get a drink his spirits would rise. He crossed his arms then reating his cane against his legs. "Seriously, I didnt drive here and that is just rude." He glared at him. "What I am doing back to see you is cause I thought....." He trailed off. "Never mind let's just say if you had not sent me to that rehab and got me in to see another doctor I would still be a addict so for that I thank you." Connor reached in his back pocket taking out his wallet and pulling out a few hundred. "Also I owe you do the home visits and of course seeing that I got taken care of." Placing it on the desk. Putting his wallet away then and sitting back. "So me being frank here what rode is stuck up your ass? You are acting like a lover that has been ignored or some shit." He was not a cusser so if he cussed then that meant he was getting frustrated.

There was silence a moment. So silent that Connor would be able to hear Stephen breathing and the light ticking of the metranome. Stephen sat the glass down and walked back over to his desk. This time he sat on it's edge, right in front of Connor. He looked at the other man. Cupping his hands together in his lap. "...I havent heard from you in over a year. I care about my patients Connor.... But I care about my friends even more. When I looked for you- I admit! I thought the worst. Figured you skipped town..." He genuinely looked hurt and worried.

Connor looked to him as he came to sit in front of him on the corner of his desk. "Of course I didn't skip town I have a home here and my son has a life here." Taking a moment he thought of what to say. "I had a lot going on with my health, my ex and just a whole bunch of drama I barely had time for me." Slipping a hand up through his hair and signing. "I thought we were friends too but you acting that way is just wrong." Taking a moment to gather his thoughts. "Sorry I disappeared though if you had come by my home you could have easily found me." Taking his cane in hand. "You really know nothing about me if you think I would let anything stop me even if it is pain, but I surmise I am sorry figured after you had helped me that, that would be it." He was trying not to ramble.

"So can we move past this part, I am actually curious how you have been doing and how things are going with what we had last spoke about." Wondering if Stephen would remember.

A sigh escaped his lips. "I know it is wrong of me to think this way, but I do. I am glad you are doing okay. Personally, I am fine. Dont really recall what we talked about before... Sorry, nkt seeing you for a YEAR makes my memory foggy." Stephen hissed out the last few words, he was very bitter and stubborn. But he cared a lot about Connor. But at the same time he would never let personal bull shit interfeare with work.

Connor nodded as he listened and then sighed. "Okay...well..." He trapped off not sure what to say to him seeing as his conversation wasn't working. "Well yeah I just thought I would stop in and say thank you." With that he got up. His one leg shaking some though he studied himself. "I have got to get home and help Ethan pack, when my ex found out my addiction he got my rights taken away I was given time to spend with him hut I only get him a few days a month and only if he wants to come." Trailing off again he headed for the door. That smile he had worn in here was now gone. "Stop by sometime if you like I don't go out a whole lot any more." Connor opened the door to head out.

Stephen moved from his desk to reach out and grabbed Connor by his shoulder. True, he was angry. But that didnt mean he wanted him to leave. His grip on Connor tightened a bit before he let go. Asigh came out to break the bone chilling silence. "Wait, um... those uhhh House calls were free. So, you can um... keep the money I uh, dont need it." Looking off to the side he rubbed the back of his own neck. Geez, when did it get so hot in here!? But in reality, Stephen had been loss for words, never being good with expressing his emotions. What a joke, a threapist whom could not tell what he himself was feeling. All he knew was, if Connor left he would be the biggest dickhead he knew.

Looking down to his shoulder as a hand rested on it to stop him. He stopped and looked back to Stephen sighing as he turned around to facw him. "Nah I would feel weird if I took it back just accept it as a gift then for helping me." He took a moment and realized just how silent it was in here. "Do you have anything you want to talk about with me?" Though as he said that he moved closer up to him and whispered. "I know you would never act on your urges but you really either need to get laid and I don't mean by your wife or female for that matter." With that he pasted Stephanie head and backed off. "I am surprised you don't remember talking me me about the fact you had urges for other males, so have you done anything about it or still hiding in that very small closet." Deciding to come out and ask her had always found Stephen attractive. Though he doubts a man so far in the closet would ever actually fall for him. Shaking his head a moment and slipping a hand through his hair again. What he also didn't tell Stephen was after that night of them actually kissing he had not even with anyone since.

Stephen stared at him for a moment and then his jaw just dropped. he looked like a deer caught in head lights. There was just so much he had forgotten that night. And it seemed that Connor recalled every bit of it. The pause that came from him only edged him on to quickly turn away. He looked like one of those confused high school girls that was right next to her long time crush. To say the least in a way he was feeling a certain way about the British man. He just was not sure what that was right now.Sitting back behind his desk he gave himself some breathing room.

"I guess that this is a small session for us right now. And I do not remember what you are even talking about fully. I am straight okay? So um... Let us talk about you Mr. Gold?"

Connor watched him closely and as he seemed to freak out Connor laughed a little bit. "Awe doc come on I was just teasing you." He said softly though sat back down in the chair. "About me really? Well since you are the doctor ask me the questions cause you know me I am not just going to offer information." Which he had done earlier but he loved when the other spoke and really got him going. Sitting back a little further. "As far as you being straight I guess the kiss and intimate moment we shared meant nothing...Yep good to know." He was being dead serious not caring if he remembered or not he would make him remember. Slowly he got out of the chair and walked over to him placing his hands on either side on the arm rests. "Stephen I promise I wont tell just admit you really want to kiss me again there is no shame in that."

Stephen could not bring himself to admit it. In his mind his pride just ment so much more. He was straight! All the way! He had a lovely fit wife. A charming daughter and a very well maintained life style. He went to play golf against Fredrick Anderson ince a month. He went to charity events when he could. He even watched porn... Of men. Tall, handsome men. Wait! No! Women. Yes, just sexy women. There was no way he was admitting to wanting to kiss him. "I dont know what you are talking about." Stephen said sternly.

Connor watched him a moment and could see him in thought for a second. "Damn Stephen you are so far in denial I see now I am wasting time." Pulling away from him for a second. "Here I thought you might have actually liked me for more than a friend." He smirked taking out his cellphone. Deciding to be an ass he lifted it typing in a moment and trying to press some buttons to see what reaction he got. Lifting it to his ear and calling someone who he had been with before Stephen. "Hey, I am just getting ready to leave the doctors, you wanna hook up for the night?" Taking a moment waiting for an answer he smirked. "Yes see you then." Hanging up he turned back to Stephen. "Anyway I shall see you another day unless you have something you want to talk about?" This was what it could be called as in living a dangerous life style sleeping with random guys.

Stephen watched as the man took out his phone. And then watched as he stood there in front of him and make a call then end it. Connor had just scheduled a meeting with someone for the evening. Stephen sighed and gestured towards the doorway. Mr. Gold was free to come and go as he pleased. "We can have the receptionist pencil you in." The look of the frown was now gone, but replaced by a very blank expression.

Connor rolled his eyes, "Wow so testy today." With that he started to walk out. "Yes...Yeah I was just joking, Yeah tell Marcus not to get so silly when I was just joking, See you and marcus for dinner this week?" He nodded then hung up the phone. "Anyway doc have a good day." With that he headed out of the office smiling at the receptionist. "Nice seeing you again." She nodded and he walked past her getting another call. "Yes I just got done, I know it is almost time to bring Ethan to you,chill the hell out." He continued walking hanging up his phone he went to go sit on a bus bench to waiting for the next bus which wouldn't be there for another hour.

Stephen got up and decided to follow Connor even when he saw him sit at the bus stop. He raised a eye brow and then wrinkled his nose in confusion. He walked over to him and put his hands on his hips then looked around then back at Connor. "Why?" It was all he could say as he watched him. This man had a driver, so why on Earth was he out here?

"Connor lifted his head as he heard Stephen and shook his head. "Why am I out here? Well since I am now now having to pay for Ethan's child support till he is 18 and pay for his schooling as my ex put him in private school and pay my ex money I have cut down on unnecessary items." Slipping a hand through his hair a second. Though as he said that a limo driver pulled up. "Though this was not one of them, would you like to take the rest of the day off and spend it at my house?" He asked sweetly as he pushed up from the bench and made his way to the limo. "Hell i will even give you a taste of my good brandy."

Feeling sorry for him as he heard that seemed to fade into sand as he saw the limo. Stephen grunted and swore Connor was doing this all on purpose! But his blank look turned to one of anger. "Get your bed buddy to drink with you. I have to finish working. I havent even eatten lunch yet." It was true, he did indeed own his office but he had to work to earn money. He took the money Connor had given him and tucked it into Connor's breast coat pocket. "....Save that for your boyfriend. Ya' know, so you arent wasting your time."

"Seriously wow, did you not hear me on the phone as I know you did about me telling the guy i was just joking, he has a boyfriend and well Stephen since you are so easy to have anger, How about I tell you this, I haven't kissed or even fucked anyone since that day we made out!" He snapped at him. "You claim to know everything but know nothing." His face had flushed at that thought of what he had just told him. "Here I had been waiting till things were right to come see you and thinking I held out for someone that is too stubborn or full of themselves to want me." Connor could be an ass and well this time he was actually hurt even though he hid his feelings well this time he could not hold it back any more. Taking the money out and walking over to a homeless man and putting it in his hat. "There you go." Patting his head he went back to his car limping a little harder now.

"You pay for it right!? Then it should not matter if he has a boyfriend. I appreciate the gesture. But im not gay." He still could not recall what had happened that day. He almost didnt want too. In fact he swiftly turned around and marched back to his office! Stephen slammed the door shut and sat down. He suddenly frowned when he realized he was letting real life hinder his work ethic. He had allowed his personal feelings get the best of him. And it was costing him more than just a session. Sitting back in his chair he rubbed his temples. Frustration all over his face. He grabbed his empty glass and filled it. Downing two straight shots consecutively.

Connor watched him storm off and shock just showed in his eyes leaning down to his car. Be right back, With that he took off into the office as fast as he could muster and he looked to the receptionist. "You may want to close your ears or go to lunch." With that he walked to Stephens office and swung open the door. "You fucking ass! how dare you say that to me, knowing what state I was in you are not a therapist in the least bit you are someone that plays with peoples emotions then when they get to real you run like a scared bitch!"

He snapped a moment then grabbed Stephens door and slammed it shut. Taking off back to his car he got in and they left taking Connor back to Connor's home. Once he was home he looked to Ethan. "Neo will take you back to your father I will see you next time." Hugging his son he took off into the kitchen looking for liquor and then to his study and could not find any alcohol. His breathing was ragged. Tossing his cane across the room knocking off the glass bottles. "Fucck!" He sank down to the ground leaning against a chair.

A few days later

Connor had not been out of the bed in a few days dressed in just his boxers depression had hit him and well he had no reason to get out of the bed his son was gone to his ex and well he had no one to see so he just decided to sleep his hair a mess.

The next few days had been hell, Stephen had to nearly beg patients to come in. The work was low. And when his own office was low on patients it ment only one thing. The dreaded Hospital. Yes, there he had shifts he could not choose the hours of. He felt like an intern all over again. Late nights of staying up late and drinking coffe like it was oxygen. Those were the days. And here he was just finishing a Red Eye shift and he yawned out. Stretching some he took his coat off and put it away. He got his things and his files and went to the parking deck.

Getting into his red Chevorlet he closed the door and locked it. Setting his files in the passanger deat he leaned back and sighed. After the fight with Connor, Stephen had buried himself in his work. Taking more time at the clinic and retirement homes near his home. He had come to the hospital to meet with a few new patients and start his mandatory training. Stephen looked at his phone and looked at his wallpaper of a glass of Brandy. He played around on a few apps before just caving in and calling Connor.

"Mr. Gold?"

Connor lifted his head as he heard his phone turning it on he swiped left. "Yeah?" Came his now raspy voice. "What do you want?" He said softly though curled under the blankets holding them tighter having the phone on speaker. He should sound so upset and slipping a hand up to shove his hair out of his face. "Didn't get enough of degrading me?" He asked though the hurt should be heard as well. "Anyway I digress what is is you need Doc." He seemed to lock away his feelings for the moment.