Pairing: Phoenix/Maya
Prompt: dysfunctional relationship au
Word Count: 910

"So if I understand correctly, you feel as if he's too clingy?"

Tissues are clenched. "I guess so. It's hard to explain what I mean."

"Take your time to work through your thoughts."

A nod of the head, and a more determined look. "Before we started dating he was the one who took care of me, in a way. I was still independent, I still lived on my own when I wasn't visiting and could take care of myself, he just spoiled me a bit when I was around. Even after we started dating, things were okay for the most part. But after a while, all of that switched. He became… so emotional."

"But not in a healthy way?"

"No. He was really loving and sweet to me yes, but it became smothering after a while. If I wanted to go out with friends, he would want to come, and if I said no it was just us girls, he would let me go, but I would come home later and he'd be mad at me."

"How is he with intimacy?"

"That's what's strange about it. When he needs me, he really needs me. He'll be all over me, kissing me, cuddling me, telling me how much he loves and needs me and asking me if I feel the same. Once I tell him yes, I do, he gets over it and he stops. It's almost like he's mad at me, but he's not. He just doesn't feel the need to show any emotion towards me at all. It's confusing for me."

"He does sound like he may have fear of abandonment or loss and once you alleviate his fears, he's okay. Have you ever threatened to leave him? Do you two argue?"

"We argue sometimes, and yes, I will admit I have blurted out how I'll leave him and go back home, but I never mean it."

"When you argue, do either of you assign blame?"

A shake of the head. "Not really. Eventually one of us will just say to forget it or something like that, and it'll be done with. Sometimes it ends when I threaten to leave, even though I never really want to."

"Hm. Do you think he'd be willing to come in to speak with me? One on one first, and then with you here as well?"

"Maybe." A hopeful look. "You don't think our relationship is a lost cause?"

"Not at all. His dependence on you does need to change, but it will take time. If you two still love each other, and neither of you are downright abusive, and neither one of you have already decided on divorce, we can definitely work through your issues."

"I do love him." A sniffle and the tissues come out again. "And I know he loves me. We both just need to find better ways to show it."

"Do you feel like she doesn't care about you?"

Much more fidgety than his partner. More reluctant to speak, but finally a slight shake of the head. "No. I know she does."

"Do you sometimes think she may leave you?"

"I mean, she threatens to sometimes. She never does but I'm scared that she'll mean it someday."

"Do you think you smother her? Do you let her be independent of you?"

Thinking. "I… I get scared when she's not around."

"Why?"

"We've been through a lot. I've almost lost her multiple times, even before we were together, and I can't stand the thought of losing her and it being my fault. If she's with me wherever I go, then at least I know she's safe."

"What about your previous relationships? Did you have any issues with those that may be causing these feelings?"

A purse of the lips. "Yes, a girlfriend I had in college wasn't who she said she was. That… sort of traumatized me, if I'm being honest."

"Are you afraid that the same thing will happen now?"

More thinking. "No."

"Are you sure?"

"No… I mean, yes. I trust her."

"Do you really?"

A hand swipes through hair. "Yes." It's more firm this time. "Yes, I do trust her. More than anyone else, at least."

"It seems to me you're a little insecure. Do you think that's accurate?"

A nod. "Yeah. I guess that's probably right."

"Good. Not a lot of men are so willing to admit that."

"I want to make this work. Is our relationship salvageable?"

"Yes, I think so. But I'd like to talk to the two of you together next. Are you okay with that?"

"Yes. Of course."

Despite the problems, the couple still seat themselves closely together, thighs almost touching. Aside from that there's no physical contact between them yet, but it's enough. There's still love between them. They can still fix this.

"The two of you are here due to some issues that have been causing problems with your relationship lately, though it's good to see you both here willingly. That's a good sign."

They both nod. Neither of them seem very happy to be here, but no couple is that happy to be at a marriage counsellor.

"We'll start slow, we'll discuss each of the issues you two have with your relationship, and we'll work through them. Does that sound good?"

They glance at each other. She smiles gently; he takes her hand.

"It sounds good to us," he says.

She nods her agreement. "Yeah. It sounds good."