lui ou lui

~Doctor's~

Woods' POV

The sunlight streaming in from the window woke me up. My body and brain felt exhausted. I realized I was nestled up next to someone. That's weird. Then it came back to me. All of it. The phone call. The knife. Tanner. I carefully look up, trying not to wake him, and see a peacefully sleeping Tanner. This would be amazing if it weren't for the circumstances.

I got out of the bed to start a pot of coffee. Leaning on the counter, I placed my head in my hands. It felt like I had a hangover. Everything from last night was just a vague memory, almost as if it was a dream. But I knew it wasn't, it was real. I knew what I had to do and I was dreading it. Putting it off as long as I could I made myself a cup of coffee once it was done brewing. Then it occurred to me that I still didn't have a shirt on. I went to the dryer and pulled out a random one.

In the living room I sat down on the couch and found Octonauts still on from last night. Quietly, I chuckle to myself and hit play. I guess this is just something I do now. The show was background noise more than anything, though the cartoon animals were pretty cool. I decided to drink the coffee black this morning and it was scalding hot, burning as it flowed down my throat. It didn't feel bad though, more like a cleansing heat.

My phone goes off in my pants pocket and I look at it. I see it's just an alarm to wake up, and quickly dismiss it. Not putting it off any longer, I sigh and go through my contacts. I scrolled until I found what I was looking for. Once I found it I hit the call button. Before I could back out I moved the phone up to my ear and heard the continuous ringing. Several rings later, a woman picks up the phone.

"Dr. Knight's office, how can I help you," the voice was kind and motherly.

"Hi," I started off slowly trying to find the words, "I'm an old patient...but I need to set up an appointment."

"Okay," there was the sound of keyboard keys clacking, "what's your name?"

"Woodland DeMars." I wait as she looks me up in the system.

"Alright, we have an opening on Thursday at 2pm. Does that work for you?"

I thought about it for a second. I would technically be working then, but I'm sure Matt would understand me having a doctors appointment. So I respond, "Yeah that works."

"And what would be the reason for this visit," This was the question I knew was coming. I knew what I had to say, but doing it made it feel more real. Saying it out loud made it into something I can't pretend is nothing. I had to though.

"Um, mental health and depression things," there was a pause on the other side.

"Okay, you're all set," she said after a moment, "your appointment will be on this Thursday at 2pm."

We then both said good bye and hung up. I picked up my coffee and cradled it to my chest. That call was one of the most stressful things I've done in awhile. Looking over, I notice a sleepy Tanner standing at the edge of the room. He already had a cup of coffee in his hand. Momentarily, I become embarrassed. He just heard that phone call. He knows I'm crazy now. Though I guess after last night he figured that much out. I sighed as Tanner sat down on the couch next to me.

"I guess you heard all of that, huh?" My eyes didn't leave the TV as I said this.

"Yes," Tanner began, "and I'm proud of you for getting help. That's a hard step to take."

I look at him, "I'm sorry about last night. About me dragging you into this and probably ruining your date," I say.

Tanner grabs my hand and entwines our fingers together, holding tight, "Don't apologize. I'm happy you called me. I want to be here for you. There can be other dates, but there's only one Woodland and I'd rather not lose him."

Without realizing it, I begin to blush. My head rests on his shoulder and we stay like that for a long time. It was at least two episodes of Octonauts. I'm not sure why he's still here. Why he cares, but I'm glad he does. Glad I'm not alone. I feel eyes on me, and turn my head to see Tanner staring at me unabashedly. He places a kiss on my forehead and then turns back to the TV.

"So," Tanner said, breaking the silence, "Tell me why exactly we're watching a children's show."

I lightly punch his arm, "Hey! Its not that bad, it's actually pretty cool." Tanner just snickers at me and I snuggle in closer to him. If only it could stay like this.

A/N - Not a lot going on in this chapter, just some plot to set up things for later. Also, good morning. It's 7am and I don't know why I'm awake. RIP Paul. Wonder whats gonna happen next? Will tanner really make up for bailing? Stay tuned to find out, lol

~Stay Lovely~