Hi everyone! Just to let you know, Feliks = Poland, unless I am wrong I'll fix it! He has not made an official appearance yet in my fic, but he is coming soon! Enjoy ; ) Also, it's time to do the 100 pages dance because this story is now over 100 pages long! Thanks to everyone who has reviewed, favorited, followed, or even just read this fic. It has been a wild journey so far!

Later during that week, Arthur made another visit to his therapist's office. "Hello Toris. It's been a couple of weeks. How have you been?"

The brunette chuckled and tied his long brown locks out of his face. "Arthur, I think I should be the one asking you that question. But yes, I am doing quite well. How are you?"

The Brit nodded his head and took a seat on a comfortable couch. "Things have still been good. I'm finally starting to feel the effects of my medication taking place. The first week was still a struggle for me as I still thought about the drugs and harming myself, but now I actually feel like I have more control over my life than I ever did."

"That's great!" The Lithuanian exclaimed. "I've been meaning to ask you something – and I hope it doesn't feel like I'm invading your space, but how would you feel about taking a twelve – step program? I know it sounds a little ridiculous, but you'll be meeting all kinds of people that you might relate to. Almost like a family helping each other through a crisis. You don't need to make a decision today, you obviously have the right to think it over." He said with a smile.

The Englishman pondered for a moment with his index finger resting on his chin. He did recall Gilbert mentioning that the twelve – step program didn't help him at all. In fact, the German became more addicted the more people tried to help him, and the only thing that cured his addiction was sticking by his own schedule, routine and hobbies. However, Arthur didn't think it was wise to turn down the offer, either, and he thought that he just might be able to benefit prom a program like this.

"All right. I'm interested." Arthur admitted. "I am on a good path, and I would like to stick with it." He finished with a nod.

The therapist seemed rather surprised that his client had accepted the offer so quickly. In some cases, even people who were on the path of drug recovery became rather defensive about joining a twelve – step program, but Toris was a man who wanted to bring his best work to the job, even if it meant making some people uncomfortable, the treatment would most likely be better for them in the long run.

"I've also heard from Francis that you've had a run in with Ivan just last week," Toris continued. "Were the police able to find him? I hope you're holding up all right."

The blond nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay, but no, the police were not able to find Ivan. The police know what he looks like because people have made accusations about him in the past, but that man was always able to get away with just a slap on the wrist. This time, though, it seems that Ivan has completely ditched town as the officers were not able to find him in his usual hangouts. Hey, are you feeling okay, you seem to get nervous whenever we talk about Ivan."

The other man sighed deeply and shook his head. "Unfortunately, Ivan is a very popular man around these parts of San Francisco. Even good citizens of the law have been protecting him just to get a good dose or two, and… I used to be involved with him, as well. N-not anymore. Back when my future looked bleak and I had no where else to turn to, Ivan took me in, but it was the biggest mistake I've ever made, and I thought he was going to kill me for sure."

"How did you escape?" Arthur inquired, his jaw nearly dropped wide open.

The Lithuanian smiled, he appeared to be thinking of fond memories, despise the heavy conversation the two men had been having. "I fell in love. Just like you did" He replied. The brunette gestured to a photo on his desk.

There, rested a picture of himself and a rather perky looking green - eyed blond who had an arm wrapped around Toris and wore a mischievous smile. Toris appeared to be laughing shyly in the photo, with his head resting on his partner's arm. "His name is Feliks." He continued with a laugh. "Between you and me, that man has a heart of gold, but he'd make a terrible therapist."

The Englishman allowed himself to chuckle at that comment. "Reminds me of someone I love, also."

"I-I have something to show you." Toris said as he stood up from the chair by his desk. The man turned around and nervously lifted his dress shirt to reveal old scars trailing up, down, and all across his back.

For a moment, Arthur felt like he was going to be sick. He had never seen injuries like that on anyone before. "My God… who the hell did that to you?"

The brunette gulped before answering. "It was Ivan. Years ago, I was Ivan's number one. Well, his bitch, anyways. This is what he did to me whenever I made him angry, like when I failed to sell his drugs. If he was short on money that week and couldn't pay the rent to his place or afford food, he would take his anger out on me and add a scar from his whip for every time something went wrong in his life."

"That's so terrible." The green – eyed man replied with a shake of his head. "And to think, he's gotten away with this kind of shit for years."

"That's why it's so important that you never go back to Ivan." Toris implored. No matter what he says or what he does, the man is incapable of affection of any kind. His heart is black, and his soul is deeper. He is sick, demented, and he won't ever change. That man has the ability to kill, and killing a human being is the same thing as preparing a steak dinner in his frame of mind."

"Don't worry, I'll never go back to him. I promise. Also, I fell in love, just like you, and there is no way I could ever leave Francis." He smiled. He slowly approached Toris and traced a finger along his scars.

The Lithuanian flinched but allowed the touch nevertheless. "Don't worry, it doesn't hurt."

"I'm sorry you had to go through that." Without thinking, Arthur embraced the man in a hug. The two stayed embraced together for a while, each sharing their emotions about the man who had tortured them without any words needing to be exchanged. After a while, they allowed themselves to return to reality.

"I really will look into a twelve – step program." Arthur promised. "Also, see you next week?"

Toris nodded, his smile slowly retuning. "I look forward to it, as always."