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FOR MY LOVELY ARTONI

Things had been getting better. It had been quite some time since Max had broken down and had an episode of any sort. Their therapy sessions had been going extremely well, Rung quite proud of the progress the other had been making and they'd even gotten to the point where the appointments were a little less frequent, just to give Max a chance for more freedom.

But all good things were bound to come to an end right?

Rung was in his office when he got the comm informing him of a situation involving Fort Max, the other having apparently lost himself to another episode due to someone mentioning Overlord in his presence. The therapist didn't wait for any more details than that, already making his way out of his office and heading down to the lower levels where he'd been informed Max was held up in his room.

At least he hadn't taken anyone with him. At least not that Rung had been made aware of.

When he reached the scene he immediately urged those present to back off and give him a chance to approach the door, the therapist rather commanding when he wanted to be; especially when one of his patients was involved. It probably didn't help that he cared quite a bit of Max, having been working with the other longer than most of his patients and well...it was hard not to find yourself caring after awhile.

Approaching the door, Rung's vents cycled softly and he lifted a hand to knock lighting, leaning in so his helm was almost resting against the door.

"...Max? Can I come in?"

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twisting, inside and out, pain and wretched agony tearing his very spark apart

He'd known, at least, that he had to get away. The all-consuming urge to get out had come up too swiftly and too strongly to be ignored, and he'd all but shoved his way through the crowd. Only fragments of memory kept him from outright bolting, or even drawing a weapon; he'd dearly wanted to, if only to protect himself, but away, away, go, away

Part of him called himself a coward. Another screamed soundlessly the moment he shut the door and all but fell against it, slumping with his head in his hands as his vents cycled hard.

laughing, jeering, pulling him apart, sneering at his pain, rabid faces cackling

No. No. Nonononono, he was all right, they weren't- nobody was pulling him apart or ripping pieces or putting pieces that shouldn't be in him there or

Fortress Maximus' vents stuttered at the sound. Someone wanted in, someone wanted through, can't...

"...Rung?"

Relief flooded him when he heard the other's voice. Good. Recognition was good.

"Yes, it's me. I heard about what happened and I wanted to come check on you," he answered softly, keeping a hand against the door as if it would offer some sort of comfort to the being on the other side. "Will--is it alright if I come in?"

He wanted it to be Max's choice; there was no point in trying to force the other, like he was sure the others might have done. Given the trigger, that would only make things worse.

Rung would be patient, no matter how long it took to get inside the room.

"I..."

He felt sick. Down to his spark, he felt sick, and he felt weak. He hated it, because weakness meant pain meant...

Meant worse.

"'wnna be left alone," he mumbled, voice barely audible if even that through the door.

"...I'll wait then."

It was as simple as that. Rung wasn't going to leave Max alone to handle this because he knew the toll it could take on the other; knew how damaging this sort of thing could be and he wanted to be there to help in any way that he could.

Which was why he was already sinking down to sit on the ground, back against the wall as he glanced at the others around.

"You can leave. I promise, it'll be alright," he assured them with a smile and while there was a lot of hesitation, the group finally dispersed, leaving Rung alone with his patient.

Wait. Wait. For minutes that seemed to drag on to hours, Max waited for some manner of composure to return, some manner of strength, something...anything...

Frag.

"...still there?" he asked after some time, almost afraid to hear the answer. (Or lack thereof.)

Edited 2013-12-17 01:46 (UTC)

Rung was nothing but patient. It wasn't the first time he'd waited for a patient to pull out of a slump and it most definitely wouldn't be the last. He'd waited hours before--when one dealt with Red Alert that just came with the territory--and so this really wasn't that off putting for him.

He spent his time reviewing files in his head, waiting for when Max was ready to--

Well. Looks like the time was now.

"I am, yes," Rung replied in a gentle tone, glancing back at the door slightly. "Are you doing alright?"

"Yeah. No." A heavy exvent, and Max shifted, rubbing his face again. He still felt shaky and weak, but a little better. Key word little. "I...changed my mind. You can come in."

Just Rung. There probably wasn't a question about it, but...just Rung.

Vents cycling softly in a sigh, Rung nodded a bit even if Max couldn't see him, slowly pushing himself up off the ground to stand.

"Is the door unlocked?" he asked, keeping his voice soft as he turned, resting a hand against the door again.

Was it? He didn't remember- Maximus slowly looked, blinking his optics once, then reached up to palm the keypad. "Yeah." Was now, at least. And...it'd probably help if he moved to the side of the door itself.

So he did. Without standing up. (He doubted his legs would even support him yet.)

Hearing the confirmation, Rung eases the door open just enough that he can slip inside--sometimes it pays to be slim build--letting it shut behind him once he's in.

His gaze immediately lands on the larger mech and there's a gentle worry in the therapist's optics as he moves over to kneel beside Max, reaching out hesitantly to rest a hand on the other's shoulder.

"...What happened?" Rung asked softly, tilting his head. "Though, if you'd rather not talk about it we don't have to."

Hello, Rung. Other than a brief glance, Maximus avoids optic contact - he avoids looking at Rung altogether, instead heaving a great, shuddering sigh. He makes no move away, no attempt to dislodge the other, only looks down at his hands.

"...they were just...talking. I don't know. I heard bits and pieces of it. And I just started feeling...off."

How else to describe it? Fort Max swallows, rubbing the back of his hand.

"Off how?" he urged a bit, a gentle tone to his voice still as he slowly sits down beside the other, wanting to make it a bit more personal--comfortable.

And he wants the other to know that he isn't planning on leaving anytime soon.

The therapist glances down at the larger mech's hands and his own twitch as if he's about to move them but he resists for now. He'll keep the contact to a minimum until he's sure if Max can handle any more of it.

His optics dim slightly, brow furrowing over them. "...it felt familiar," he finally settles on, tone making it clear just what kind of familiar that was. "And it just kept...cycling. Until I had to get out."

There's a humorless 'hhhn' of a laugh.

"Barely even remember getting from there to...here." There's the briefest of pauses, and then his optics flicker towards Rung. "I didn't...?"

He figures he shoved a few people, but didn't end up hurting them or anything, did he? That's not why Rung's here? Memory loss is far from uncommon for him at this point, but he barely remembered pulling his weapon back when-

There's a brief shudder of his plating. Yeah. Stay away from that still visceral set of events. The big mech is, ultimately, a pacifist- if an odd sort, and one whose tendencies have been twisted for the worse in the past few years.

Rung shakes his head before Max has even trailed off, optics alighting with a gentle, reassuring look.

"No one was hurt, I promise you," he said softly and it's the brief shudder that happens after the question that has him reaching out, movements slow and obvious so the other can stop him if he wants to, resting his hand on top of the larger mech's.

"You handled it well, all things considered. Coming here, getting away from the masses...you had more control than you realized, Max," the therapist continue in the same soft tone, a glimmer of a smile there as well.

Because no matter what, he had hope for the other and knew that it was going to get easier. It was just a matter of convincing Max of that.

Convincing him could and would take some time; it went without saying that his confidence was fragile. Nonetheless, his relief was real, tension sagging out of his frame as he let out a deep huff from his intakes. "Good. I'm-yeah. Had enough of that," he adds with grim humor, optics falling back down to rest on the hand on his.

So small.

"Just wish I had enough control for it not to happen in the first place," he adds, bowing his helm. It's a bitter want that he's expressed before; he's tired of having these...stints of weakness. Relapse. But if nothing else...

At least he's come to trust Rung, and can feel easy with not being at ease- when around him, that is. He can tolerate being...like this.

The sagging helm, with only their size keeping it from outright resting on Rung's shoulder, is show enough of that.

"That will come in time, Max. I know it seems like an impossible thing but you will get there," Rung said softly, optics softening further as the other ducked his head. The hand resting on top of Max's twitched before it curled a bit, gently squeezing the larger hand as he lifted his other--hesitantly lifted it, pausing as he debated with himself.

But the debate was quick to end as he let his hand come to rest on Max's helm, stroking it a bit.

"You've already come a long way, Max. I'm so proud of what you've accomplished in the time you've allowed me in," he murmured, shifting closer--just a touch closer--letting his hand slide down to curve against the other's cheek. "You can't give up on yourself."

Another 'hhrn'. This one more of dubiousness rather than humor, but Rung had never given him a reason to doubt. There wasn't even hesitation when he felt the hand, though- it was unexpected, but it felt natural to lean in to it.

"I won't," he agreed softly. "Gotten too far to do that now."

His lips quirked slightly. And- it also felt natural to turn his helm just enough so that they brushed the hand. Just- a show of comfort. He wouldn't have called it affection, but- just-

"Thank you. For everything."

-just that. He needed to say that. Didn't- need anything more than that, wouldn't ask for it.

It was an unexpected move but definitely not one that Rung would necessarily object to. In the back of his mind, however, he knew this was dangerous territory; knew that it was--would cross a line if he were to allow anymore affection or show any of his own.

And that thought...it pained his spark a bit.

"...There's no need to thank me," he finally said once his vocalizer decided to work properly, a slight touch of static to his voice as he shifted the hand that rested on top of Max's. He was fighting himself, trying to establish the boundaries and figure out what was right--

His hand seemed to make the decision for him as it lifted to cradle Max's other cheek, the therapist leaning up so he could press his forehead to the other's.

"I want nothing more than to help you..to make things better for you, Max."

It was probably the most relaxed he'd felt in a long time; as though all the stress from not even a breem ago had vanished. With his helm held in Rung's careful hands, the outside world was nothing.

"You are," he murmured. "I just...you help me, Rung. I need that."

I need...

His face clouded just a bit. Stupid.

"...Then I will be here. For as long as you need me to be," was the response, the words accompanied by a quiet cycling of his vents as his spark ached and pulsed all at once, a torrent of emotions clouding his senses and systems.

He wanted so much but he knew he couldn't--knew that it wasn't--

"...Max?" he murmured, optics brightening a touch. "Are you alright?"

"May be a while," was the response, accompanied by a barely-there smile. But it was only there for so long, fading as quickly as it came.

"...mostly. 'mfine." Mostly. He cycled his vents in a sigh, brightening his optics a bit.

Rung was close.

"...just...more alright with this now than I prob'ly should be."

The smile, this time, was weak- but then again, so was the attempt to insert a joking tone. Just in case...just in case he couldn't be serious.

That got a bit of a surprised flicker out of the therapist's optics as the weight of the words--the realization that it wasn't truly meant to be humor--hit him.

His spark skipped a pulse, if he was going to be completely honest.

"...I would be lying if I tried to say I wasn't...wasn't alright with it as well. More than I should be, I mean."

The words escaped before Rung could stop them and he found himself looking down, starting to draw his hands away slowly.

"Which is--Primus, you must think I'm terrible--I shouldn't.."

This close, the flicker was impossible to ignore. Maximus' processor quickened despite his comfort, quickly searching for a way to confirm its insincerity. Though- his own optics brightened a hair at Rung's own words.

At least until Rung began to pull away.

His hands shot up of their own accord, making to take Rung's wrists and hold them in place. The great mech's face was a mixture of emotions, but abhorrence wasn't anywhere near.

Still, words wouldn't come. Instead, after a moment of stillness, he moved his helm forwards to try and find Rung's optics.

Rung's vents cycled in surprise as his wrists were caught, the therapist going still, frozen for a moment as he fond himself meeting Max's gaze. He felt stuck--lost in the other's optics as his processor moved a mile a minute to come to a decision on what he should do, how he should proceed with this considering he had just basically admitted to having an attraction to a patient--to Fort Max of all patients--and he wasn't sure--

Screw it.

The smaller mech threw caution to the wind and rested his hands on Max's helm once more, hesitantly drawing the other closer as he leaned up to brush their lips together.

Rung didn't make his decision alone. For Max, the idea that he had formed an attraction to Rung was- well. Unthinkable. Yet here it was, and surely not because Rung had just been nice to him- no. There was something more there, an honest admiration and fondness and, well.

Suffice it to say that Rung found Max moving of his own will without much (if any) encouragement at all, optic offlining and a distinctly 'frag it all' look coming to forefront as he turned the simple brush in to a harsher, wanting kiss.

That was a bit unexpected.

Not unwanted, by any means, but unexpected nonetheless.

It has Rung momentarily thrown off as he's kissed in a very wanting manner, his optics bright in their surprise and confusion before everything catches up with him. The feeling of being wanted like this, of someone wanting to kiss him with so much desire behind it has his optics offlining as he shifts closer, pressing back--returning the kiss with just as much want as Max was putting into it.

Primus help him.

He probably shouldn't be pullling him closer. Using his grip on the thin arms to urge them together, not-quite devouring Rung's mouth but siezed with a sudden want and whim and he was tired of the damn weak feelings and unsurity.

Not that it helped when they returned a moment later, his grip abruptly slackening and chagrin creeping in. He broke the kiss with a gasp, immediately looking away.

"S-sorry, I just- shouldn't have done that, sorry. 'Manidiot."

Frag, frag, frag.

As the kiss broke, Rung found himself caught in a daze. Had that really just happened? Yes, yes it definitely did. His spark was pulsing a mile a minute and his systems surged with want and desire--something he hadn't felt in Primus knew how long.

His optics flickered and he found himself reaching for Max, head already shaking despite the other's words.

"No it--yes you--Max--please look at me."

He let his helm be steered back, though his optics took a few more moments to look up from the floor. This- whiplash, for lack of a better word, his spark shifting from anxious to calm to want and now back to anxious if for an entirely different reason- had led to an imperceptible trembling in his hands, and an uncertain glow to his optics.

"I..."

What could he say? What could he possibly say?

"This isn't- this isn't just because you've helped me, I swear it, this isn't for that I'm thankful for everything but it's-it's..."

More. It was more.

Don't think I'm weak for it, his optics begged. He couldn't take it if he'd put the thought in Rung's processor.

"..It's alright, Max. That idea never crossed my mind."

Maybe it was blind hope or maybe Rung really was just that good at reading others. Whatever the case, he wouldn't have kissed Max if he hadn't been fairly certain it was more than just a pity case.

For both of them really.

He stroked a hand down the other's helm, a gentle touch--a soothing one as well he hoped--a reassuring look in his optics.

And a wanting look.

"You don't.....I want.."

Despite the doubt that wanted to creep in, it was fought against by the fact Rung had never lied to him. Rung had been wrong at times, but never deceived him in any way, and at least a bit of the stress there was let go. Fortress Maximus cycled his vents heavily, though they did stutter as he took a second look at Rung.

Oh.

He...

"You should- stop me," he said anyway, the uncertainty proving the words completely at odds with what he wanted and what bled through to his expression. "If we- keep going, I might-"

As he spoke, his hands had started to trail down. They now came to a hesitant rest by Rung's hips, the briefest squeeze there emphasizing his concern.

Which arguably wasn't one at all, but,...

"...You say that like I don't want you to," the therapist murmured, shuddering a bit under the other's touch as his hand rested once more against Max's cheek, his other falling to the larger mech's shoulder.

Any doubts, any hesitations that had once been holding him back were gone now as he peered up at the other, optics soft but still wanting--a need there that wasn't going to go away any time soon.

Which was why he leaned up to kiss the other again, optics offlining as he gave in to everything he felt.

Well then.

The new position made it a little difficult to meet that kiss, but Max's hands tightened of their own accord to shift Rung closer. On to his lap, but Max wasn't surprised at that so much as how /natural/ it felt, maneuvering the smaller 'bot like that.

And at the rather enthusiastic response from Rung.

He met it without hesitation, letting Rung take the lead but more than willing to continue it. His own optics flickered and dimmed, not quite off, but certainly not caring at the moment what he saw so much as what he was /feeling/.

Warm.

Rung didn't hesitate to go where he was shifted to, settling on the other's lap and taking advantage of the new position. He was still a bit cautious--nervous even--as he tilted his head in an attempt to deepen the kiss, not use to being in the lead but well...

It was kind of nice, in a way. Especially considering the size difference.

His entire frame shuddered as he broke away briefly, his head spinning some as he peered at Max, touching his face again before he pushed himself up so he was practically on his knees, pressing soft kisses along his jaw back to his lips.

A bit of adjustment and Rung was settled on his thighs as much as his lap itself, and he was using the tweaked position to help Rung up. Anything to have him continue. He let out a quiet, low noise of approval, a hand drifting from Rung's hip to his front and splaying the finger.

Not a gesture to stop. Definitely not a gesture to stop. The kiss broke and he pushed his helm back to renew it only to be treated to an adjustment of /that/. But by the way his optics flickered and his vents stuttered, it was far from unwelcome, and he stroked a digit down the center of Rung's chest with another - somewhat more repressed due to how he could /tell/ it was going to be higher-pitched - sound.

That touch down the center of his chest had the therapist faltering in the kisses he was showering the other with, optics flickering then dimming as a soft, static-y sound escaped him.

Oh did that feel wonderful.

One of his hands moved once he finally got himself functioning again and he tugged Max in for a real kiss again, forgoing anymore light and gentle touches in favor of a more needy passion. Skilled fingers began to find their way into breaks in Max's armor as his free hand smoothed down the other's chest in return, finding and stroking wiring and more sensitive areas as he let go of all thoughts holding him back.

...right. Focus there.

Max repeated the motion with his finger, trying to narrow down by feel alone since his optics were rather distracted. His whole face was distracted, really, especially with Rung pushing forwards. The slender digits were small enough to worm past armor, pulling more muffled noises from Max as his plating trembled imperceptibly.

It felt good.

"Want you," he managed to groan in to the kiss, pushing forwards a bit- using a hand to brace himself on the floor as he hunched over Rung, returning that need with his own considerable wand.

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FOR MY LOVELY ARTONI

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I'LL TAKE 'THINGS WE WOULD NEVER SANCTION IN REAL LIFE BUT THINK IS HOT IN FICTION' FOR 500, ALEX

I'M GLAD WE FEEL THE SAME ABOUT THIS xD

EXCELLENT

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