Alrighty folks, here's a little therapy sesh for you. Natalie doesn't make an appearance in this chapter, but don't worry. I already have another chapter brewing, which will be posted very soon! As always, thank you all SOOOO much for your reviews. They keep me going!
Dr. Bell sighed, leaning forward and pinching the bridge of his nose between his fingers.
"Adrian, I'm not exactly sure what you're trying to tell me. You're going to have to be a little more straightforward."
Adrian shifted in his seat, rolling his shoulders slightly. He hesitated, closing his eyes momentarily in an attempt to calm himself.
"Natalie and I..." He trailed off, his voice cracking.
"You and Natalie are...a couple, yes. You told me that a few weeks ago. Is something the matter? Did the two of you have a fight?"
"No, no," Adrian sighed, shaking his head. "No, it's not that. I just- We just- Natalie and I want to..." He trailed off again, groaning in frustration.
Adrian extended his arm, pointing towards a notepad and pen on the table beside Dr. Bell.
The doctor gestured towards the items questioningly.
Adrian nodded.
He handed the requested items over to Adrian, eyeing him curiously.
Adrian took in a deep breath, shuddering on the exhale as he began to quickly scrawl something on the page. A sheen of sweat had begun to form on his forehead, and his hands were shaking. He took another deep breath, handing the notepad back to the doctor.
Dr. Bell glanced down at the page, then back up at Adrian, then back down. There on the page, in tiny, perfectly written print, were the words "make love." A faint smile began to sneak its way onto the doctor's face.
"Adrian," he began slowly, doing his best to maintain a neutral expression. "You're saying...You and Natalie...want to make love?"
"For the love of God...Yes." He muttered quietly, blushing bright red as he buried his face in his hands.
Dr. Bell smiled, suppressing a chuckle.
"Adrian, that's wonderful. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. It's a perfectly natural thing to be feeling. After all, you and Natalie have known each other for a very long time and, now that your relationship has become romantic, it would make perfect sense that you would feel the desire to-"
Adrian cut him off, holding up a hand.
"Please. This is...difficult for me. To talk about with you, I mean."
Dr. Bell nodded, lacing his fingers together and leaning back in his chair.
"So, why did you want to bring it up, then, Adrian?"
He sighed, lifting his face from his hands to look back at Dr. Bell.
"Natalie has been, you know...coming on to me for weeks. Each time, it's been harder and harder to...restrain myself," he finished quietly, blushing again.
"Okay," Dr. Bell replied gently with a nod, encouraging Adrian to continue.
"The problem is, I don't know why I'm restraining myself in the first place," he confessed exhaling and leaning forward to rest his chin in his hands.
"Hm," Dr. Bell nodded, growing more serious. "Adrian, it's been quite some time since you made love with a woman, yes?"
Adrian nodded, his face twisting into a mixture of impatience and embarrassment.
"And you love Natalie, don't you?"
"Yes," he replied, his expression softening.
"Well, Adrian, it's perfectly normal for you to be feeling nervous about this. Anyone in your position would be feeling a little on edge. Are you worried you might disappoint Natalie?"
"Of course," Adrian sighed, exasperated. "Natalie is a very...experienced woman. And I'm...me. I just-" He paused a moment, rubbing his temples. "The only woman I've ever...been with in that way was Trudy. And with Trudy it was just different."
"Why was it different?" Dr. Bell coaxed him.
"Trudy and I had an understanding. I was very...particular about that sort of thing back then, and she was okay with that. So, it only happened occasionally between us. But it's different now. I'm different now. I really want this with Natalie. I can't stop thinking about it, to be honest," Adrian admitted, his voice dropping low. "I just...I don't want Natalie to think I'm a fool."
"Adrian, look," Dr. Bell began, taking a deep breath, "I understand why you're nervous, but I think you're underestimating both Natalie and yourself here. This woman has been by your side for years. She's seen you at your worst. And she fell in love with you, nonetheless. She knows you probably better than any other living soul. Don't you think she knows to be patient and take things easy with you?"
Adrian looked up, realizing Dr. Bell had a point.
"What's more, you are one of the most observant people in the world. I'm sure it will take you no time to be able to discern what Natalie does and doesn't enjoy. And, Adrian, I'm sure Natalie wants this as much as you do. She'll just be thrilled that you want to take this step with her. You know Natalie. She's a very kind and gentle person. I'm sure she'll be patient. And I'm sure it won't be as scary as you suspect. In fact, I'll bet you'll be surprised at how easily it will come to you once you're in the moment." He smiled slightly, watching Adrian's expression relax.
"You think so?" He asked softly, still somewhat embarrassed.
"I'm sure of it."
Adrian nodded, smiling slightly.
"Oh, and Adrian?"
"Yes?"
"Since it has been a while for you... Just, uh, as a bit of a heads up - Natalie hasn't yet gone through menopause, has she?"
Adrian's eyes grew wide.
"Oh, I don't know...Uh...No, I - I don't think so."
"Right. Well, in any case, I just felt I should remind you, you'll need to bring along some form of protection," Dr. Bell suggested quietly.
"Oh, God..." Adrian groaned, burying his face in his hands once more.
