Strange Attraction (editing/rewriting)

XV

Our 6th therapy session went as normal as it could have been. We talked about what had happened in between sessions and how we had been getting comfortable physically again. I knew talking about intimacy was inevitable when it came to couples therapy, but the more we got into it, the weirder it felt having someone coach us on how to be better partners.

"So far, have the two of you felt like most of your issues have been resolved regarding redundant arguing? For example, has slowing down the alcohol allowed for a more peaceful environment? And do you feel like each of you has contributed to this environment?"

Finn answered for the both of us, "I think we can say we've both noticed a change in our dynamic, but I cant sit here and say alcohol was the majority of the problem. Some of our fights still happened while I was sober. As far as contribution, im not going to argue that I wasn't the cause of most of our problems so I think more weight falls on me to fix them. All I wanted Liv to do was stop seeing Lucian and be open to my advances and she is."

"Finn, do you believe that alcohol is your problem or your temper is?"

In a more annoyed tone than upset, Finn replied with, "well I know alcohol amplifies my temper, but I don't have the time to go to anger management classes on top of everything else so I think AA is fine for now if thats what you're getting at."

After writing down some notes, Dr. Zurer shifted gears and asked, "I know the both of you said sex sort of slowed down and became a chore, but what were you getting from your other partners that you feel you weren't getting from each other? Finn, I'd like to start with you first."

"Um I'm not sure." Finn paused to think be fore continuing. "Uh, Nicky was just there I guess. Whenever I wanted to have sex, she was down for it and I guess at the time, things with Liv were tense and sex between us went from being one sided I guess to toxic and then just nonexistent. Nicky also gave into my kinks too which made me feel a way."

Zurer encouraged Finn to elaborate. "What kinks?" He looked hesitant to answer this question and had to be reminded that this was a safe place.

"Stuff with paddles and restraints. Um having sex in public was a thing I liked for a while. I also was into rape play, but not anymore. I mostly get turned on by being dominant and inflicting pain on my partner. Those were things I mostly did with Nicky. With Liv, I tried to stay within the realms of vanilla sex."

"Olivia do you see yourself doing any of those things with Finn?"

"In the long run maybe." I replied.

"What did you get from your relationship with Lucian that you didn't get from Finn?"

"Well we already talked privately about this but with Lucian I felt like he cared more about making a connection during sex. It was passionate. I feel like with Finn, I'd get surprise choked or spanked, and the way my mind works, I need to prepare for those things and not for it to just happen in the moment."

"I understand. This is just a reminder that if you want to cause pain Finn, you need to make sure Olivia is ok with it prior to doing it. Im sure being choked can be scary and although it turns you on, you have to be aware of that fact and I cannot stress that enough." We went on talking about sex for a bit before shifting gears. "How are things going other than the physical parts of your relationship? I know AA is going well and joining the band, but have we thought about spending more time alone together?"

I took over to answer for the both of us. "Yeah, actually, this weekend we are going sailing I think or boating."

"Oh ok that sounds exciting. Well let me know how that goes and remember, we grow where we are planted so continue working on what you've got here." Dr. Zurer smiled as she showed us out and wished us a nice weekend.