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Daren was surprised by the kiss, but not by the tears the followed. "It's ok, really. you were kissing a hurt spot, it doesn't count." he smiled and looked TIm in the eyes, "it doesn't count, so we're ok, right? you don't need to worry or cry anymore, it's fine, really." he was trying really, really hard to not think of how Tim's tongue had felt, how close he had been to grabbing the man and kissing him properly. "let's sit down, ok? i'm sorry i didn't tell you about the appointment before, i really am." he sat, Tim coming down along with him, and cuddled the man on the couch. "i'm sorry, Tim, will you forgive me?"

Daren nodded, "sorry. i don't like going either, but it's' ok. she can help you, give you techniques for when you have a nightmare or when you get really scared. i've used them myself. never admit it to her, but they help." he gave Tim a tiny smile, "she looks like a little kid, so you won't need to worry about her intimidating you. she's four-eleven, i asked. tiny little thing, even you could throw her out a window, not that you would ever want to. she can make even the most violent of cases act like a timid puppy just by talking to them. it's kinda amazing seeing her work, and you can have me in the room with you for the first part of it,if you want." he was trying to sell the idea, to make it easier on them both when the time came to go.

Daren nodded, "yes, i can. if that is what you want, if you ask she might even let me stay for the entire session, though that would be up to you. she invited me to sit in for the first half hour, but again, it's up to you. once you've talked with her then you can decide if you think you need me in there with you or not. ok?" it seems like Tim was warming up to the idea, which was exactly what Daren needed him to do.

Daren dropped his head back and closed his eyes, "i told you about my dad, right? i mean, kinda. well, he had a lot to say to me, just hitting me wasn't enough. some of that still effects me, still influences me even now. Dr. Ko says it's because i suppressed everything, i just pushed it aside and kept going. says that's what makes me strong, but it is also my greatest weakness. that added on to some of the things i see in my work and i've basically a permanent order from he court to go. was doing ok for a while, didn't have to go but because of some thing Iroh said he will fire me if i don't go regularly."

Daren took in a deep breath and let it out, "no. sorry, but you've already got enough on you plate. i don't want to be adding anymore. besides-my sessions aren't very eventful. all it will give you is heartache." he smiled at Tim, the smile of a little boy who'd seen too much, lived through too much, "you'll just come out of it with heartache so might as well spare yourself, right?" he stroked the other's hair for a second while he pulled himself together, "Right. want to watch something or read? you can play on the internet if you want."

Daren glanced at Tim when his name was called, but Tim kissing him again wasn't what he'd expected. he sat, staring wide eyed for a long moment before snapping back to himself. "T-Tim, what was that for?" but Tim had quoted Daren saying he didn't have to ask when it was something that hurt. he blushed and looked away, "thank you." but it was embarrassing, all the same. this man that had come to his broken and lost was trying to comfort him, "but i can't. i can't even talk to Dr. Ko, not really, and i've known her for years. it's not that i don't trust you or anything like that, i just-i have a hard time talking about my past. sorry, Tim."

Apple mewed softly as she was picked up, looking at the little one and purring. he was finally picking her up, maybe he'd even give her scratches. instead she was dumped on Daren's head and that was fine with her too. he'd give her scratches.

Daren watched Tim with surprise and couldn't help but smile. "you amaze me, Tim." he lifted Apple off his head and put her in his lap, petting the mini cat until she purred. "it seems we are good for each other. you comfort me when i'm down and i protect you when you are afraid." he pushed himself up and cupped Tim's cheek, giving him a soft kiss back. "you got to kiss me without permission, my turn. thank you Tim. really, thank you."

"Course we do, we've a lot of time actually. your appointment is at 5 and mine 6. we can go out to dinner afterward, i usually do. it's a nice pick me up after the session. you can even pick where, like red lobster or something else you've been wanting, ok?" he was hoping that would make it so Tim looked forward to his session, even if it was just because they were going out somewhere afterwards.