Because I can't get it out of my head B|

[rungout]

There weren't many that were cut from his mold; not many that took on the task of dealing with the psychiatric needs of others. It was that fact that made him special in a way, but Rung was also good at what he did.

One of the best really.

He'd been doing it for years, working with patient after patient, solving problem after problem, and helping others move on with their lives. He had never once given up on a patient, which helped his reputation, and while moving forward may not have been an option for all of them, Rung stuck with them and kept working with them, even years later.

But, over time, playing head shrink to countless others took it's toll on an individual.

Rung was still good at what he did and had new patients coming in all the time, but what went on behind closed doors had changed.

Drastically.

Under the guise of helping others, he began to use his patients, abusing them in a way that seemed like it was still therapy. But instead of ultimately helping them, he was helping himself, taking what he wanted from others, manipulating them into thinking that this was how it was supposed to be.

To everyone else, he still seemed like the sane, kind-sparked individual that he'd always been.

But there was a darkness there, forged from years of dealing with the problems of others, a darkness that came out in a way that could ruin him forever.

If anyone ever found out that is.

Comments

[fuckinstoplights]

Even the slight praise seemed to make him perk up. It was easy to. For someone who'd barely received a token "good work", being told things like "perfect" and "good to see you" were like being handed awards. His wings fluttered, and the closed, neutral expression faded into the slightest smile.

He stepped inside, nodding. "I tried to be," he said, quietly.

Once inside, he took up his usual place against the wall, all but flattening against it in an effort to occupy less space. Better that way -- more appropriate for what he was. But, really, all it took was the suggestion to make him step away. If that was what was wanted of him...

"All right..."

Even so, he sat on the very edge of the couch, perching there, and watching the Autobot expectantly.

[rungout]

"And you have yet to disappoint me with how good you can keep a schedule, Kagerou."

Praise.

Rung had long since learned it was an important tool in working with the other and he used it to his advantage--oh did he use it and enjoy using it.

His gaze followed the other as he went over to the couch to sit, noting the way he perched there instead of relaxing and how expectant he was. The first wasn't a great thing but he could work around that easy enough. That look though, that pleased Rung and as he approached he smiled softly, fondly even.

Another form of praise in itself really.

"How have you been, Kagerou? Doing well I hope," he murmured as he stopped directly in front of the other, lifting a hand and reaching out to brush his fingers against his patient's wing in a gentle caress.

[fuckinstoplights]

To say he "glowed" was an understatement. His flickering smile practically blossomed, and he had to duck his head to keep from just plain beaming. It probably wasn't right to enjoy hearing those words as much as he did. It probably wasn't his place. But...

They felt so good.

And so did that smile. He felt wanted. Needed. Feelings he so desperately desired. No wonder he kept coming back. Maybe things hadn't changed outside the office... but in here... he felt better.

"Yes," he said, and nodded again. "It's still confusing... all those people. Robots. I've never met so many before..."

Though he trailed off. His voice grew softer, then grew silent, the touch against his wing sending an oddly pleasant little shiver through him. He knew they were sensitive, by now. That wasn't odd -- what was, was how he never tired of them being touched.

He relaxed a little, unconsciously leaning back into those trailing fingers.

"I'm trying..." he murmured. "I want to matter to them..."

[rungout]

"And you will matter to them. You are doing so well, Kagerou. It will just take time for them to open their eyes is all," Rung replied in a soothing tone as he continued to toy with the other's wing, trailing his fingertips down as far as he could reach given their position before trailing them back up.

He knew he'd long since won Kagerou over but he always started the game the same--just in case.

Lure the other in with touches and praise and hook him. Simply enough given how simple minded the other was.

"Tell me about the others that confuse you. Why they confuse you I mean. What do you think would help make it less confusing?" he murmured, letting his touch slip away from the wing as both hands came to rest on the other's shoulders, gently starting to nudge him back, wanting the other to lay down.

[fuckinstoplights]

"Take time," he repeated, though his voice came out soft and distant. The praise went to his head, as much as the touch did. He found himself relaxing more and more, savoring everything. There was no real way to describe how good it felt. No one ever did such things for him before.

Which just made it all the more simple for him to give in. He didn't even want to resist.

He just wanted to feel more. To feel needed.

"I... don't know," he admitted. For a moment, he blinked at the Autobot, but allowed himself to be nudged down. He did end up lying down, though he lay very still, his optic and scanner always on Rung's face. "They say things I don't understand. Then tell me I have to 'grow up'. Or they get angry when I want them to clarify..."