"It… It…" Yuuri took a deep breath. "I saw… JJ." Yuuri finally sputtered out. Viktor's eyes drew wide at the name. "H-He was standing in the front by t-the waiting room, h-holding a folder."

Viktor cupped his hands on either side of Yuuri's face. "Did he see you?"

Yuuri nodded. "He said something to me, but I don't know what he said, I... I…"

Viktor pulled Yuuri into a hug. "It's alright, we'll sort this out. I promise." Just as Viktor said that, JJ walked out of the building's set of doors. He looked up and down the walk-ways and peered into the parking lot in front of him. With Yuuri's back to the passenger window, and half of his face hiding behind Yuuri's shoulder, JJ couldn't tell it was them in the car. JJ finally gave up and went back inside, and Viktor released the hug. He kept what he saw to himself, not wanting to upset Yuuri even further. He also didn't know what JJ's intentions were. Were they nasty as they were before? Or was he reaching out to apologize? "Let's get going, I'll drive you back home." Yuuri wiped his tears and buckled himself in as he nodded. "Did you have a good session with Yuuko otherwise?" Viktor asked pulling out of his parking space.

"I-I did. She's a fan."

"Really?" Viktor quickly glanced over at Yuuri with a shocked face. "I had no idea. Does that bother you?"

"I thought maybe in the beginning when she first mentioned it. But then we started talking about figure skating and other skaters, and it didn't really bother me anymore. It was nice to talk to her about those things and get her opinions on my competitors. I like her, she's… sweet."

"I knew you would like her." Viktor drove the rest of the short way to Yuuri's apartment in silence. He could judge that Yuuri was still uncomfortable about the JJ sighting, and he used the silence to think of how he was going to help Yuuri. He knew the first thing he had to do was call Yuuko, before he made any assumptions. Viktor parked in the visitor's parking area and they made their way in the building. When they stepped inside Yuuri's apartment, Viktor broke the silence. "Why don't you do some calming exercises. I'm going to make a phone call, so we can start to figure this out." Yuuri nodded, his eyes remained down cast as he walked off to his bedroom.

Viktor sat on the couch in the living room and waiting until he heard the door close to make his phone call. Three rings went by when the receptionist picked up. Viktor stated who he was and the reason for his call. After being placed on hold he heard a high voice through the phone. "Yuuko Nishigori, how can I help you?"

"Hi, Yuuko. It's Viktor Nikiforov."

"Oh, hi Viktor. How are you?" Yuuko dropped her professional voice for a friendlier one, reserved for familiar people.

"I'm alright, thank you. How are you?"

"I'm great! I just saw Yuuri, he left not too long ago."

"Yes, I'm aware. I actually picked him up from his appointment." Viktor was starting to feel a little nervous.

"Oh? Is everything okay? He was in good spirits when he left my office."

"Everything is fine there." Viktor decided to go for it and ask her straight out. "Do you have Jean-Jacques Leroy working at your center?"

"JJ? Yes…" Yuuko hesitated slightly. "I just hired him. Why do you ask?"

Here goes nothing.

Taking a deep breath, he went into an explanation. "I used to work with JJ at the hospital, he and I worked the same unit Yuuri was on. There was a misunderstanding between the three of us, which ultimately led to his dismissal at the hospital. During the events of this… mix-up, Yuuri's anxiety was at a peak. When I picked him up from his appointment, he was terribly frightened, and his anxiety was very high. He had seen JJ in the waiting area on his way out. JJ did speak to him, but in the state Yuuri was in, he does not know what was said. He's settled and completing some calming exercises at this moment."

"Oh my. I'm so sorry, Viktor. I had no idea."

"Please, this is not your fault, Yuuko. I merely wanted to explain the situation, in case he sees him again at the office, you know why. I think it's best that they do not see each other, though that will prove to be very difficult."

"May I ask what sort of misunderstanding?"

Viktor stayed silent, contemplating if he should tell her, how much, and what lies he should say. "JJ suspected foul play between Yuuri and I. He made claims that I was going against policy and ethics, and was sleeping with Yuuri, during his treatment. Which was untrue at the time."

"At the time?" Yuuko asked suspiciously.

Viktor sighed into the phone. "After Yuuri left the hospital, we have started something of a relationship. But only after, since Yuuri is no longer my patient." Viktor lied.

"Ah I see. So, how did this misunderstanding affect Yuuri?"

"Since JJ made these claims to Dr. Feltsman, he ended up performing an investigation of sorts. Yuuri was pulled from my care and into JJ's, which made Yuuri's anxiety spike and JJ's treatment towards him was questionable. Eventually, Yuuri was placed back in my care and JJ was dismissed." There, he can tell the truth… sometimes.

"I understand now." Yuuko paused in thought. "As you said, unfortunately to keep both parties away will prove to be difficult. I think it comes down to two options. Maybe three. First option would be to have both, you and Yuuri, come back to the office, where some mediation and closure for Yuuri can be done. I can facilitate that and in hopes to make Yuuri more comfortable. Second option would be for me to drop him as a patient, which only means that he will be going back to hospital, and as conflict of interest and ethics, you will not be able to treat him. Besides, none of us would want Yuuri going back to hospital, the environment was not conducive to his treatment. Third option would be to leave it alone, not mention it, and see what happens naturally. But, we both know that Yuuri will not be able to attend without his anxiety increasing, or he may not show up at all."

"I fear you may be right, Yuuko. I would personally like to try option one, but it would be up to Yuuri. I feel discussing the situation and challenging it head on, will help with his recovery." Viktor paused. "When I picked him up, I saw JJ come out of the building looking for Yuuri, I don't want to assume his intentions, but I hope they were good."

"Let's hope you are right. My schedule is open today, I usually am on these days to catch up on some reports and research. I am looking at JJ's schedule as well, and he is available. Since he started a few days ago, he doesn't have much of a case load yet. I think it would be best to nip this in the bud and resolve it today, rather than letting it stew in his head."

"I couldn't agree with you more. I will go speak to Yuuri about what we have discussed and will call you back when we will be coming by. Which is when I can convince him."

Yuuko giggled. "Alright, that sounds good. Talk to you soon, bye for now."

"Goodbye." Viktor pulled his phone from his ear and tapped the end call button. Taking a deep breath, he stood up from the couch and made his way to Yuuri's room.

Yuuri heard a soft knock at his door and mumbled for Viktor to come in. Yuuri sat crossed legged with his eyes closed in the middle of his bed engaging in his deep breathing exercises. He felt a dip in the bed in front of him as Viktor sat down and waited for him to finish. Yuuri fluttered his eyes open and relaxed his shoulders.

"Feel any better?" Viktor asked, almost in a whisper, so not to disturb the relaxed atmosphere.

Yuuri shrugged his shoulders. "A little. I'm thinking a little clearer, but I can still feel it there, bubbling under the surface."

"Mm." Viktor nodded his understanding. "I spoke to Yuuko."

"What? Why?" Yuuri's anxiety was now simmering and trying to resurface, after he worked so hard to contain it.

"I had to tell her, and you know that." Yuuri nodded and looked defeated. He knew Viktor was right. "JJ just started at the centre a few days ago. Yuuko and I discussed two options, that you are going to decide on." Viktor purposely left out the third option knowing that, that would be the one Yuuri would pick, which is the one that would not help him. Yuuri remained silent as Viktor continued. "Your first option is to go back to the office today with Yuuko performing a mediation of sorts, between the three of us. It would help get to the root of the problem, and a way for you to challenge it and maybe gain some closure." Yuuri opened his mouth to speak, but Viktor held up a finger to stop him. "I don't like him any more than you do, especially after the way he treated you, but this is probably the best option right now. You don't have to forgive him, but at least get some closure from it. Your second option would be for Yuuko to drop you as a patient, which means you would go back to the hospital until we are able to find you therapist in the community that would be willing to work with Dr. Feltsman and myself. If you do go back to hospital, I cannot be your therapist, I had to disclose our relationship with Yuuko and I do not want her to report us."

"Oh." Yuuri pulled his knees up to his chest and rested his nose on top of his knees, burrowing his chin. He focused his gaze on his bedspread while the cogs in his head turned. He tried to keep his mind clear, so he could think properly. Viktor waited patiently. "Why can't we just ignore it and hope I don't see him there."

This was the reason why Viktor left out the third option. "Yuuri, we both know that's not going to happen. You'll have too much anxiety and won't go for fear you might see him there. You know that's not an option, and if you kept missing sessions with Yuuko, you would end up back in hospital and possibly miss your skating season."

Yuuri nodded. "I know. I guess I don't really have a choice now do I."

"Not really. Unless you want to go back to the hospital." Viktor reached out and grabbed hold of one of Yuuri's hands that were wrapped around his knees.

"No, I don't want to go back. Do I have to go there today and do this? Can't it be the next session I have with her?"

"Yes, it has to be today. She is available today and so is JJ. It's best that we do this now, rather than later when you'll be constantly thinking about it."

Yuuri groaned. "Fine. I hate it when your right." Yuuri mumbled into his knees. Viktor smirked at that and let out a chuckle. He leaned over and kissed the top of Yuuri's head. "Why did you have to tell her that we were together?"

"Oh right, I should probably tell you what I said. I told her that JJ suspected of us to have an inappropriate relationship while you were in hospital, and his treatment towards you was questionable. I told her about Dr. Feltsman and his investigation. I told her that I picked you up after the appointment today, it would be a little suspicious for an ex-therapist to pick up his ex-patient from an appointment, and I didn't want to give JJ any more reason to create problems. So, I told her that after you left the hospital that you and I have started something of a relationship and that it only started after you have been discharged and no longer my patient."

"Okay. Makes sense. Do you think it will still cause problems with JJ?"

"I don't know. I can't say what his intentions are when he saw you. We can only hope for the best and we will cross that bridge when we get there." Viktor could see the anxiety filling Yuuri's face. "I will be with you the whole time, I won't leave your side."

Yuuri nodded and uncurled his arms from his legs, only to put his legs down and wrap his arms around Viktor's chest. Viktor reciprocated the hug and placed another kiss on top of Yuuri's head. "I got to call Yuuko and let her know that we will be coming by." Yuuri didn't let go, instead held on tighter. Viktor smiled and pulled out his phone from his pocket, awkwardly. With one hand he pulled up his call list and called Yuuko, while his other hand stroked and soothed down Yuuri's back. Viktor went through the receptionist on the phone and was able to get Yuuko. "Hi, Yuuko. It's Viktor. I spoke to Yuuri and we will be stopping by in about 20 minutes or so. Will that be alright?"

Yuuri could hear Yuuko, she sounded chipper and said that it was alright. Viktor hung up the phone and snuggled with Yuuri a few more minutes until it was time to go.

They arrived back at the building, Viktor parking the car in a proper parking spot this time. They reached the office and went right into Yuuko's room. Viktor and Yuuri, sat on the couch, a little closer than they were the last time. Yuuko sat in her normal chair, and there was another chair beside her, that she pulled in from somewhere. "Welcome back, Yuuri, Viktor." Yuuko nodded to them both and turned back to Yuuri. "I'm sure Viktor explained to you, why you've come back. Viktor had also explained to me what had happened. From my perspective, I will explain to you what is going to happen here before I bring in JJ. I will be acting as a mediator between the three of you, I will remain unbiased and will not be taking any sides. This is merely to air out the laundry, so that you can move on and close the book on this chapter."

Yuuri nodded, drawing his legs up to his chest. "Okay."

"Is there anything you want to say before we get started?" Yuuko asked. Yuuri shook is head no and gripped his legs tighter. Yuuko got up and went to her phone on the desk. "Hi, JJ. You can come in now."

A few short seconds went by and the door opened, and JJ stepped inside closing the door behind him. His face remained neutral as he sat down in the empty chair. Well, neutral to JJ was a smug arrogance. Yuuri squeezed his legs tighter, until he felt a pain radiating through them. His heart sped up and his body started trembling. Viktor reached out and grabbed one of Yuuri's hands, prying it off from around his legs and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. JJ noticed the action and he glared at the intimate moment, and his lips curled into a sneer.

Yuuko started the session. "Alright, lets begin. We all know why everyone is here, so we can skip all that fun stuff. I am going to go through some rules, that we are all going to follow. If anyone breaks the rules, I will be stepping in." Yuuko went through a set of 12 rules ranging from taking turns when speaking, to taking breaks when needed, to legal proceedings if necessary. They all agree to follow the rules, that were laid out. "First thing I think that should be discussed is the interaction that happened this morning. Yuuri has claimed that he did not hear what you said, JJ, when you spoke to him, because of the state of panic he was in. Can you please reiterate what it is you said?"

JJ cleared his throat and sat up straighter. "I simply asked him what he was doing here." Yuuko seemed content with his answer, and Viktor relaxed a little, until JJ had to open his mouth again. "Are we not going to discuss what is happening here? I knew I was right at the hospital, and I lost my job over it, over them." JJ pointed at Viktor and Yuuri holding hands on the couch.

"You lost your job because you were making claims that were not true, meanwhile you were the hypocrite and was engaging in foul play with a patient. Yuuri and I only got together after he was released from the hospital and no longer considered my patient." Viktor burst, venom sprayed with his words.

"Like I would believe anything you say." JJ spewed back, dismissing the truth about his firing. "This just proves it." Once again, he pointed at them holding hands.

"This proves nothing. Only that we are together now, when it is appropriate and that I am here to support him." Viktor raised their intertwined hands for emphasis. Yuuri buried his head deeper in his knees as Viktor argued back and forth with JJ.

Yuuko caught on to Yuuri's body language and interrupted the fighting. "Ok, enough!" She raised her voice slightly for her to be heard. "I do not want to have to remind you two of the rules. We are here for Yuuri, so he can gain some closure on this chapter, but instead you two are making it worse." Viktor looked down in shame and mumbled an apology. JJ scoffed and rolled his eyes, while turning his body to the side. "JJ!" Yuuko scolded.

"I'm sorry." JJ mumbled. He turned his body back towards Viktor and Yuuri and sighed. "I never intended to come here and cause more problems. I tried following you out, Yuuri, when I saw you earlier. I wanted to apologize for my inexcusable behaviour I bestowed on you, but when I made it downstairs, you were already gone." Viktor started relaxing a little, remembering when he saw JJ come out of the building, his intentions were at least good. Viktor gave a slight shake of his head to focus back on JJ, who continued. "I realize my mistakes and where they were festering from." He turned to Viktor. "I was jealous of you, you were better than me at everything. All the front-line staff loved you, and Dr. Feltsman cherished you like you were his own protégé. I am very competitive by nature and it came through at work. I thought I saw something that wasn't there, because I was doing the same." JJ fiddled with his hands in his lap, his head angled downwards as he stared at them. "I thought if I made the claims that I did then you would be gone, and I would get to be number one. In the process, I ignored my own morals, and a promise I had made to myself to be the best therapist I can be. With that I hurt and damaged Yuuri further. He needed help and I had the tools and the knowledge to do so, and I purposely caused harm to him, treated him like he was faking everything and spiked his anxiety. All for my own personal gain. I had a lot of time to think about what I did and all the pain I caused. Yuuri, you don't have to forgive me, but I don't want you to have anxiety when you see me in these halls. I'm sorry for the anguish I caused you. Victor, we could have made a great team working together, but my selfish reasons prevented us from doing that. I'm sorry for the claims I made against you and the trouble I caused you." JJ took a deep breath once he finished his speech, holding back a sob.

While JJ spoke, Yuuri started loosening. He uncurled his legs, placing his feet on the ground, his free hand pulled and fidgeted with the end of his shirt. The hand holding Viktor's slackened, instead of the tight vice he had earlier. "T-Thank you, JJ." Yuuri took a deep breath, his eyes remained focused on the coffee table. "I-I don't know if I can forgive you just yet, b-but I accept your apology." Yuuri didn't know what else he should say, or if he should say anything more. He kept his mouth shut and left it at that. He didn't owe JJ anymore than that.

Viktor gave Yuuri's hand a reassuring squeeze. "I, as well, thank you for your apology, and I appreciate the amount of strength it took to admit all that." Viktor kept it short and simple, he too thought that JJ didn't deserve anymore than that.

Yuuko gauged the silence in the room and broke it. "That was very productive. I want to thank you, JJ, for coming in and expressing and admitting to your mistakes. Viktor is correct, it takes a lot of strength to do what you did." After a few mumbled thank you's, JJ left the room. Yuuko turned back to Yuuri. "How do you feel about that, Yuuri?"

"I feel… better. I think part of what was causing my anxiety when I saw him was, what is he going to do now? After his apology, I feel better that when I see him next, I'm not going to be hurt by him, or Viktor. I meant what I said, I can't forgive him right now, but maybe eventually."

"That's great Yuuri! Oh! I'm so glad!" Yuuko exclaimed loudly and clapped her hands. "This is fantastic news, I really didn't want you going back to that hospital." She smiled her bright warm smile.

Yuuri couldn't help it, her smile was infectious, and he smiled his small smile back at her. Viktor gave him another squeeze of his hand. After a few thank you's, and Yuuri promising on seeing her the following day, Viktor and Yuuri left.

Back in the car, Yuuri heaved a sigh of relief and slumped his shoulders. "I'm exhausted."

Viktor chuckled. "I wouldn't be surprised. How about I treat you to dinner." He suggested, backing out of the parking spot.

"Where did you have in mind?" Yuuri was getting nervous, he wanted to go out with Viktor, but the thought of being out in public and dealing with more of his anxiety was mentally exhausting. He just didn't know how to tell him.

"My place! I'm going to cook for you!" Viktor exclaimed excitedly.

Yuuri smiled a big wide smile. "I'd love that." Within his chest, it felt like he fell in love with Viktor all over again.