Author's Note: Let me just state right away that I am NOT trying to fetishize/romanitize depression, OCD, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. It is just simply a factor in this story. Thank you. :)

Levi

Levi sighed. Finally this god damned counseling session was over. Even though he knew he was depressed, Levi didn't like being treated for it. He didn't like the counselor and, in a way, he didn't really care that he was depressed. Depression isn't the worst thing that could happen to him, or at least that's what he always thought.

His counselor smiled, "I'm glad you were able to express your feelings today, Levi!"

This was one thing about her that pissed Levi off; acting happy all the time. It came across as rude to Levi. While this man was depressed the person trying to help him shows off how fucking happy she is compared to him.

"Yeah," Levi started, "I just had a lot of things on my mind," even though he didn't.

"You already have my work phone number, right?"

"Yeah."

"Since you've told me you get lonely sometimes, I could give you my cell or home phone number so you can talk to me whenever you want. Okay? Just don't call me before eight in the morning or after ten in the evening," she started writing her number down without getting an answer from him. "Here's my cell phone number," she handed him the slip of paper.

Levi looked down at it, unimpressed that this is her idea for helping him get rid of his loneliness. He looked up. "Thank you," he said, and shoved the paper into his pocket.

"Okay then," the counselor got up. "Thank you for your time Mr. Ackerman. I'll see you next week, correct?"

Levi got up and nodded, "and thank you for yours." He leaved the room as fast as he could; speed-walking out of the building and into his car. Once he was in his car, he took the phone number out from his pocket. He squinted at it. And gripped it as if he was going to rip it in two but he stopped and relaxed. Levi put his head in his hands. "Fuck," he said as he put it back into his pocket and started the car.

When Levi got back to his apartment he took his jacket off, took his shoes off, and sat on the couch. He sat there for a while, thinking about if this was really helping him at all and if he should cancel his meetings. I don't know what the fuck to do anymore, Levi thought. The only person he had left in his life was his mother. He loved her, but not even she could make him happy.

Speaking of love, Levi didn't currently have a significant other. He tried three times before to find one. The first was in high school, he had a crush on this one very beautiful girl but she completely rejected him. The second was two years ago when he met a man of his tastes. The man was actually offended by the fact that another man was attracted to him. And the last –the closest to getting a girlfriend, but the worst- was last week when his counselor suggested he find a girlfriend and brought him her best friend. Levi didn't refuse only because she was pretty, but the date was awful. She was very rude and didn't have anything in common with Levi. The worst part was when he told her about his depression and she said she didn't like people with depression because they were "negative". That was when he walked out on her.

The last thing Levi thought of were his friends in college. A girl named Hange and a guy named Mike. But he hadn't talked to them in years. And he didn't want to call them or anything of the sort.

He just needed someone to talk to – no – a friend. Maybe… he could call his counselor…

Erwin

Erwin laughed. This new client was surprisingly funny for being depressed. She made him laugh quite a lot, reminding how much Erwin enjoyed his job. Ever since he was young he wanted to help people in some way, whether it be a doctor or helping the homeless. After college, Erwin decided to become a counselor. At first, it was okay, but he only had a couple of clients. Now he had about ten.

"So, yeah. I had a pretty fun day today. Thanks for the advice! I took it and now I feel a lot better! I might have to cancel these sessions," his client said.

"Well, I'm glad only one day of counseling helped you! But it's too bad you plan on canceling the sessions. I find you quite enjoyable to talk to. Maybe we could talk tonight, you know, as friends," Erwin said. He tried his hardest not to sound like he was hitting on her.

His client looked surprised and shifted awkwardly in her chair, "sure, why not? Can you write it down for me?" Erwin knew she took a liking to him. Great, he didn't want another woman trying to become his girlfriend.

Erwin reconsidered giving his phone number to her. He did just want to be friends, but it might turn out to be more than that. Every time he tried to become just friends with women, they became one-night stands. After quite a few of them, Erwin realized he didn't really like women that much. It was very hard finding a man for himself.

After some thought, Erwin decided to give her his number. He took a note to himself that he'd be careful to avoid sleeping with her.

"And… done. Here you go," Erwin said as he handed the piece of paper over to his client. "I'll be expecting a call tonight, okay?"

His client studied the paper before saying, "yes, of course," and getting up towards the door.

"Okay, nice meeting you today Ms. Jansen," Erwin put his hand out, gesturing to shake hands. She took it, shook, nodded, and left – all very quickly. Erwin stood standing in his office blankly staring at the door his client exited out of. Erwin suddenly felt very sick. Erwin's stomach felt queasy and his knees buckled, making him collapse onto the clients' chair. Erwin wasn't sure if he should go chasing after her or not, he just… wanted to… do something with her. He felt very guilty now; his client seemed to be hinting towards something. But he wasn't sure, was she hinting towards something? If she was, Erwin felt bad for just having her leave without giving her what she had in mind. Erwin quickly realized what he was doing. How much of an idiot am I to feel guilty every time a woman left without sleeping with me? He thought. This was his problem; not being able to say no to people, especially women.

Erwin got up; shaking and trying to regain his strength. He slowly trotted towards the exit of the building and into his car. Opening the car door took a while, it felt heavy to him. Erwin then warily sat down in his car seat, shut the door, and vomited. This. God. Damn. Anxiety. How Erwin hated it. He had no choice but to start the car and go home. On the way, all that could fill Erwin's mind was the thought of his client. Was she taking a liking to him? Was he starting to take a liking to her? Were her hopes dashed after she left? All he could do was go home and wait until she called.

Erwin pulled into his driveway. Time to clean this vomit up. Disgusting…

After he cleaned it up, the stench still lingered in the air. He really didn't give a fuck. The only thing on his mind was the call. He waited in his car, staring at the phone. Waiting. Waiting… Was she going to call him? He wanted her to, but at the same time, he didn't. What would he say? What would they talk about? Erwin started nodding off, but never kept his eye off the phone.