Warnings: Hinted mpreg or adoption, it's up to you. I think that's it... And mush. Lots of mush with angst. And Yaoi/Slash!
Pairings: 1x2; Spirk; Drarry (who gave them this name anyways?); Puzzleshipping; RoyEd and NaruSasu.
Doms Support Group
Dr. Fae Bolton smiled as her phone sent the text message to her lover and turned her attention to preparing her own room. Unlike Jael, Fae didn't have as many things to prepare. She had the basics for food (she doubted anyone would wander over to the snack table) and bottled water. This was a support group to discuss relationships, not a party. A previous peek into her significant other's plans influenced her to have the same circle of chairs.
Circles worked. It allowed her to see everyone and allowed no one to feel left out. She grimaced slightly. And with how often many dominants ended up being the silent types, she really needed anyone at all to participate. Why must they be so silent? She questioned with an edge of begging. And then another thought occurred to her. Maybe they're just quiet compared to their lovers? Dr. Bolton instantly shot that idea down. She had to be realistic here.
They probably didn't talk much because their lovers wouldn't shut up.
Dr. Bolton sniffed at that idea with some mild amusement. Knowing Jael, she would be in so much trouble if the other woman could read her mind. The sniff brought a distinct smell of smoke into her nostrils and she coughed. It was strangely acidic and was beginning to make her eyes water.
"Hehe, sorry about that." A rumble chuckled in embarrassment. "I didn't mean to do that. Sasuke was always better at transportation jutsus."
Dr. Bolton wiped the tears from her eyes and waited for the smoke to clear before looking for the source of the smoke. The source was a tall blonde with a cheery smile and three scars on both sides of his face. He was handsome and if Dr. Bolton had been so inclined, she would have been attracted to him. As it was, she wasn't really into blondes and had no desire to be thought of as a home wrecker. Especially when it concerned two ninja. It would have been quite possible for her to lose her life.
"That's alright," Dr. Bolton nodded politely. "Have a seat anywhere and please help yourself to refreshments."
Stupid acidic smoke. Naruto Uzumaki was fortunate she was a forgiving person, or else. She firmly pushed away all the creative ideas she had, such as forcing the blonde to interrupt Jael's meeting. Jael would throw a fit and prove just how "delicate" submissives were.
"Cool!" The blonde exclaimed.
The hope he wiggled into her heart encouraged her to push the creative methods of torture away. His attitude was cheering and she could only hope she received more than one person with a similar attitude. Maybe this meeting wouldn't be all bad?
Ten minutes until 8:00. She could only pray.
Out of the corner of her eye, Dr. Bolton saw the door close but didn't hear it close. A Japanese teenager of medium height walked towards her and Dr. Bolton hid her smile at his disarrayed brown hair. She could only imagine what the boy had done previously to get it in such a state. He walked directly for her.
"I am Heero Yuy," The boy greeted and shook her hand.
His grip was calloused and professional. The name reminded her of the files she left in her office. A teenage terrorist. She firmly reminded herself that he worked on the side for good and it was highly unlikely he would kill her, or anyone else in the room. Which made her think, who would win in a fight? A ninja or a terrorist?
She would have to mail in the suggestion to Spike's Deadliest Warrior.
"Dr. Fae Bolton," she returned the introduction. "Please, help yourself to something to eat and sit down."
Unsurprisingly, Yuy went to go sit down without even looking at the snack table. She hid the wry smile on her lips. Yes, Yuy was more of what she had been expecting this evening.
Seven minutes until 8:00.
The next man to walk through the single door was a deceivingly delicate platinum blonde. She knew his looks were deceiving from the get go because of the smug expression decorating his face. He may have the body of a submissive, but that attitude screamed 'I call the shots no matter what' and made her wonder how many sexual favors he traded with his lover to get what he wanted.
She watched with some amusement as the platinum blonde looked around the room critically and sighed heavily through his nose. A personality synopsis flashed in her mind and she put a face to the personality: Draco Malfoy. If she remembered right, he was the heir to more money than she was likely ever to see in one lifetime.
Dr. Bolton prepared herself for snootiness and hoped for the best while he found a seat and sat down. Her evening was not looking like fun so far.
Five minutes until 8:00.
A chuckling man with black hair in an Oxford shirt and black slacks entered the room and Dr. Bolton believed her prayers were answered for a moment. Here was another man with a warm personality! His dark eyes surveyed the entire room before landing on her. He smiled charmingly and Dr. Bolton felt a blush rise to her cheeks. Whoever his lover was must be extremely fortunate…
"Good evening, I'm Roy Mustang," Mustang greeted and stuck his hand out for her to shake. "It's a pleasure to meet you Dr. Bolton. I've heard a lot of good things about you."
He smiled again and let her hand go. It took some time for her to realize he had gone to sit down and another minute to realize what he said. Had he researched her? Wow. She felt strangely flattered by the idea of the man running a search on her. She wondered what he found while she glanced at the clock.
Two minutes until 8:00.
She returned her attention to the just closing door and observed the next participant. He had colorful hair and a preference for leather. The way he carried himself betrayed more arrogance than Malfoy and she wondered how it happened. From his profile, she had learned he was a university student, not a little king in training. Atemu Yami certainly seemed like a puzzle…
She watched as he sat down next to Yuy. His hands busy shuffling a bunch of black and gold cards.
"Help yourselves to any refreshments." She urged the group and patiently waited for the last person.
Once again, they ignored her suggestions.
8:00 exactly.
A tall man with a tint of green so slight, Dr. Bolton wondered if she was just imagining it, to his skin and pointy years dressed in black pants and a brown sweater with blocks of black. She watched him as he moved with feline grace towards her. How did he do that? Her passing thought that the man wasn't human was proven correction when he introduced himself.
"I am Spock." He nodded with his hands clasped behind his back.
Recalling the cultural warning in his file, Dr. Bolton didn't even bother sticking her hand out to shake. Spock from the destroyed planet of Vulcan. Would it be inappropriate to offer her sympathies? Reading his somewhat curious face, she decided it would be.
"I'm Dr. Fae Bolton and I'll be your hostess this evening." She smiled slightly and he nodded his head again.
Her hopes and prayers for a talkative group were somewhat answered it seemed. She speculated the odds of Mustang and Uzumaki holding an entire conversation for two hours. Unlikely, but she had a feeling it could be done.
After watching Spock settle down, Dr. Bolton went to lock the door against any interruptions. When she turned to face them again, she noted the seating arrangements: Uzumaki, Malfoy, an empty seat, Yuy, Yami, Mustang and Spock. She could live with those arrangements.
Hopefully.
"Good evening," she greeted the group as a whole. "As you know, this is the first meeting of Support for Doms. No, I did not name the group. One of my superiors did. He thought he was being funny." Uzumaki grinned at her joke. "We're here to discuss relationship problems and advice for others to help make your relationships run smoother since most of you are in positions in your dimensions that if you were distracted, the human race or the entire dimension would be wiped out." She smirked at their expressions. They must not have known how much research she did. "We'll start with introductions and move on from there. "You first, Yuy. I want to know your name, what you do for a living, your partner's name and your thoughts on your relationship."
The Japanese boy with the messy tresses was silent for a moment, presumably getting his thoughts in order. Dr. Bolton took the time to admire him and notice the way he held himself. Very self controlled. She made a mental note.
"Heero Yuy, I am a Preventer, working to insure the peace and stability of Earth and the colonies. My partner's name is Duo Maxwell and our relationship is stable." The boy said and Dr. Bolton got the impression he was military.
He said things without really saying anything. Perhaps it was a left over habit from his terrorist days?
"Alright, Yuy, we'll go more in depth in a few minutes, but now it's his turn." She jerked a thumb in Yami's direction.
"My name is Atemu Yami," Dr. Bolton doubted that was his real name from the way he hesitated over the name. "I am a student at Domino University and my partner's name," and the way he said partner made not only Dr. Bolton's eyebrow raise, but everyone else's. The infliction of his voice betrayed that when he said partner, he meant it in more ways than one. Dr. Bolton could only guess at what other ventures the two were involved in for the word to carry so many meanings. "Is Yugi Moto. I believe our relationship is well."
Great. Another one that wanted to keep the details of his private life just that – private.
She'd have to teach these boys better ways of classifying their relationships...
"You're next, snake charmer." Dr. Bolton glanced at Mustang who only smirked.
"My name is Roy Mustang. I am a Colonel in the military and I am due a promotion soon." The confident smirk made Dr. Bolton retract her previous statement about his lover being lucky. That much confidence in one man must be hellish to live with. "My partner is Edward Elric who absolutely loves it when you mention his height." The playful look in the black eyes made everyone in the room think otherwise. "And our relationship is like most – filled with the normal problems."
Well, at least he had been more forthcoming than the other two, but he still didn't give a real answer. The urge to throttle each man for answers grew.
"Next!" Dr. Bolton urged.
"I am Spock, and I am the First Officer abroad the Enterprise." Spock began and again Dr. Bolton was given the impression of another military man. "My partner, as you say, is Jim Kirk and our relationship is secure."
Resisting the urge to sigh, Dr. Bolton waved the next in line for introductions on. Hands around throat and tighten, answers will be choked out of you.
"My name is Naruto Uzumaki and I am ninja from the Leaf village!" He smiled a thousand watt smile. "My partner's name is Sasuke Uchiha and our relationship is pretty good all things considered."
Dr. Bolton made a mental note to get to pry into what "all things considered" meant. There was a can of worms she definitely wanted to open if only to get some excitement going.
"And last, you blondie." Dr. Bolton informed the platinum blonde right next to her.
He sniffed slightly and then began to speak: "My name is Draco Malfoy. I am a Potions journeyman. Potter is my "partner" and our relationship is just fine."
Dr. Bolton actually sighed. Oh boy. The amount of problems in that introduction were too numerous to count. She labeled him as another she'd have to badger information out of.
"Since you all introduced yourselves in a 'satisfactory' manner, I will introduce myself as well." She smiled at them. "I am Dr. Fae Bolton and I am obviously a psychologist. I used to do criminal profiling but left the business due to my lover's urgings. Her name is Dr. Jael Anders and she is currently holding the Inter-Dimensional Subs Support and our relationship has its ups and downs but over all we're happier together than we would be apart which is why we're together." She looked around and noted the somewhat interested expressions. "Now, are there any topics anyone wishes to broach before I take control of the discussion?"
Reading their expressions (and in some cases the lack of expressions), Dr. Bolton sighed and grouchily began with the classic question: "Does anyone know why they're here?"
"Because I was forced to?"
"To improve our relationships?"
"Because I don't speak bastard?"
"I thought it'd be funny?"
"To lessen the amount of misunderstandings?"
"Duo thought it was a good idea."
The urge to sigh was replaced with the urge to roll her eyes. Hopeless, every single one of them.
"Right," she began with some sarcasm. "Spock and Yami had the best answers, which tells me a lot about your relationships. We're going to start there.
"First, how many of you showed up today because your partner encouraged you?"
Dr. Bolton looked around the room as most of the men grunted affirmative. The only one not to grunt was the Vulcan directly across from her. Alright, that was at least a step somewhere.
"Spock, why did you choose to come to this group?" Dr. Bolton asked.
"I had hopes it would help my T'hy'la and I handle the stress of our relationship along with the stress of running a starship." Spock answered. His voice was extremely soothing and the strange word he had used had given Dr. Bolton the impression it was a word with connotations more meaningful than the universe. "We've also been discussing expanding our family, but before we do so, I wanted to insure our relationship will not fail as a result."
"You're in the right place then," Dr. Bolton smiled at the man. "We'll discuss ways to always keep your relationship thriving despite the many other stresses in your life." She turned her attention back to the group. "Can anyone supply any ideas on what would help Spock's relationship with Kirk remain intact if they decided to expand their family?
Silence took the room hostage as everyone seriously considered the question. Uzumaki sneezed and smiled sheepishly and then frowned seriously again. Dr. Bolton was almost positive she could feel the strain of them all thinking. Their thoughts made the air wavy slightly, like a heat wave did. She was about to interrupt the silence when someone finally spoke up.
"When it comes it children, I've learned that they take over your entire life." Mustang said thoughtfully. She wondered who he was recalling in his memories. "So, any relationship should be prepared to handle feelings of jealousy from both parties because of the child."
"Excellent point, Mustang." Dr. Bolton beamed. "Do you have any suggestions for Spock on how to keep your partner from becoming jealous?"
An unholy light entered Mustang's eyes.
"When Edward thinks I'm ignoring him I usually insult him to let him know I still love him. He perks right back up." Mustang smirked. "He secretly loves the attention."
"Really? Usually when I try that method I get hexed." Malfoy interjected. "And Potter has wicked accuracy."
"It takes a certain skill," Mustang said. "We usually end up fighting so he doesn't remember why he was depressed. I wouldn't recommend it for just fun, unless you feel like causing trouble."
"I think I'm gonna try that on Sasuke next time he's being moody." Uzumaki mused.
"Let me know if it works for you," Mustang said. "But I don't think it will for Spock here. He doesn't seem like the type to use such underhanded methods."
Dr. Bolton smiled pleased that conversation was taking off without further meddling from her. Although, maybe she should step in so Mustang didn't encourage them to do something stupid? It may work for one relationship, but she doubted it could work for five other unique relationships.
"You could try talking." Yami advised. "It takes patience, but usually Yugi tells me in the end what is bothering him and what I can do to fix it."
"I wish Sasuke would tell me when I ask," Uzumaki grumbled.
"Why wouldn't he?" Yuy asked.
The impression Dr. Bolton got from Yuy's relationship with Maxwell in that moment was they had open lines of communication. But reading the face smooth of expression told her Yuy's problem with communication probably had to do with his inability to express himself in those lines of communication.
"Sasuke doesn't talk much." Uzumaki shrugged his large shoulders. "It has to do with the fact his brother broke him with his stupid shit of killing their clan and making Sasuke go crazy. Sometimes I think Sasuke is crazy but that's okay."
"It's okay he's crazy?" Malfoy asked startled.
Privately, Dr. Bolton agreed with the Malfoy heir, but she figured that everyone was crazy in some way. Love truly was blind.
"Well, yeah." Uzumaki shrugged. "I love him anyways. I mean sure, I really don't like when he tries to kill me, but he's stopped doing that. He's trying. I can see that much. Why should I ruin all his progress just because I think he isn't going fast enough?"
"'There's nothing to fix.'" Yuy quoted softly.
Dr. Bolton glanced at the young man and smiled. They sounded like words Yuy had taken to heart, and Dr. Bolton wondered if Duo Maxwell had spoken them. Uzumaki looked surprised at the interruption but smiled and nodded enthusiastically in agreement.
"Exactly! He isn't broken. He's perfect just the way he is." Uzumaki frowned slightly. "I just wish it was easier for him to talk to me."
"I've found that talking about a "safe" topic first can help ease the conversation first," Mustang relented. "For example, when I talk books with Ed, we both know what's coming next, so we both have time to prepare our thoughts. He decides what to tell me and how much. Sometimes he doesn't tell me anything, but he knows I'm willing to listen if does want to tell me."
"Wouldn't simply saying, 'I'm here for you' do the same thing?" Malfoy asked sardonically.
"You're obviously dating someone more in touch with his emotions." Uzumaki noted with a wistful smile. "Some people need the pretense as security. Someone like Sasuke." Uzumaki turned a bright smile to Mustang. "Thanks, man."
Mustang waved a hand and with a start, Dr. Bolton noticed his white gloves for the first time. How did she miss them the first time?
"So, you all recommend simply talking?" Spock interrupted before the conversation could go off on another tangent.
"It may sound simple, but it's really not." Uzumaki made a face.
"He's right," Mustang nodded sharply. "Each person has different defenses, like Edward will start hearing things, taking things out of context so they fit his delusions." He stared into the distance with a hint of a smirk.
"What do you do?" Spock questioned Yami. "You appear to have optimal communication with your partner."
"I ask him what is bothering him and patiently wait for him to tell me." Yami said simply and then a dark look over came his eyes. "Unless he lies to him. Then I go looking for what upsets him and take care of it." The ominous words left no doubt in anyone's minds what Yami meant when he said 'take care of it.'
Was everyone at this meeting capable of killing someone at the drop of a hat? Dr. Bolton wondered with a slight frown. A ninja, terrorist, two military men and now a vengeful killer. The only one not known for some sort of violence seemed to be the wizard. And she had read a warning in his file about him being from a line of dark wizards. What kind of dimensions did these men come from?
"And this works?" Spock pressed.
"Most of the time," Yami agreed.
"I see. I will take all your suggestions under advisement." Spock nodded, his brow already furrowed in thought.
"That was wonderful." Dr. Bolton informed the group happily. "That is exactly wait a support group is meant to do. Now, there's another topic I'd like to broach. Malfoy, why did your partner have to force you to come?"
Malfoy scowled and opened his mouth twice before finally supplying an answer: "His friends suggested we come. That's the only reason we came."
Sometimes Dr. Bolton hated being right about relationships.
"Just because they told him to?" Uzumaki asked with some incredulity.
"He holds their opinion in higher esteem than mine." Malfoy began with some bitterness. "Every time I try talking to him about our future, he has to go prattle on to his little friends for permission. It's like he doesn't even want us to have a future."
"What happens when you try telling him how you feel?"
"'Draco, they're my friends. You need to grow up and get over yourself.'" Malfoy repeated in a high pitch voice. He continued in his normal tone. "He's a right bastard about it."
"Have you ever mentioned your dissatisfaction with him valuing his friends' opinions more than your own?" Spock asked with some curiosity.
"I used to," Malfoy admitted, his voice low. "He just brushes me off or we argue, so I've stopped."
"You gave up." Yuy said bluntly.
"Well, yeah," Malfoy agreed, deflating. "I got tired of always trying and not getting anything back."
"You could try one last time?" Yami ventured. He appeared unused to the idea anyone would hold someone else's opinion so far above his own in his own relationship.
Dr. Bolton silently agreed with him. If Fae everyone went to someone else to plan their future, she'd go crazy and hide the bodies of everyone involved in the ocean.
"Or offer him an ultimatum," Mustang shrugged, only a glimmer of pity in his eyes. "Tell this Potter guy to start listening to you or you'll leave him."
"But—" Malfoy started.
"Listening isn't the same as acting," Yami soothed. "At the very least you need to know he is willing to listen to you. He doesn't have to obey your suggestions for your relationship, just hear them out."
"Compromise makes up most of a relationship." Yuy added.
"Tell me about it," Uzumaki snorted. "I had to give up my apartment for Sasuke and my privacy. We have a squad of ANBU on us at all times! But I had to draw the line at my ramen. I don't care if it's not healthy. It's good."
"And what did he get in return?" Mustang asked with a knowing smirk.
Uzumaki coughed and mumbled into his hand. Malfoy, being seated right next to the golden blonde, started snickering while Spock's eyebrows threatened to hide in his hairline. Dr. Bolton suddenly wished she was sitting next to the blonde ninja.
"Speaking of compromises," Dr. Bolton interrupted before Mustang could go in for the kill. She had seen the way his eyes gleamed. "What are some of the compromises you've all made to maintain a healthy relationship?"
"No more Shadow Games," Yami said instantly. "He doesn't like them very much. I don't know why he would feel guilty for my actions…" He trailed off.
Dr. Bolton only had a moment to wonder what a Shadow Game was before the next man answered her query.
"My comfort at night." Spock said after a moment's thought. "Vulcan's require higher temperatures to be comfortable while humans needed cooler temperatures. It often makes our conjoined quarters uncomfortable."
"Muggle baiting and insulting Muggleborns." Malfoy added forlornly.
What the hell was a Muggle and why did she suddenly feel very insulted? For good measure, Dr. Bolton glared slightly at the platinum blonde.
"A stocked fridge," Mustang said dryly.
Yuy thought for a long moment before adding his two cents. "My laptop."
"Your laptop?" Dr. Bolton echoed.
"Duo said the amount of time I spent on my laptop was making him jealousy." Yuy shrugged. "I can only use to it at work now."
"I see," Dr. Bolton said faintly while Spock explained what a laptop was to the rest of the group. "What did you all get in return for giving up these things?"
"He moved in," Mustang said.
"Jim spends more time in our quarters with me." Spock said.
"We go out in public now." Malfoy said. Was that a trace of happiness she heard? Dr. Bolton began to work on a solution for the wizard. "Muggle London is somewhat interesting, if you take the right venue."
"He began to trust me," Yami said smiling softly at his memories.
"I got my hair brushing privileges back." Yuy answered.
Dr. Bolton was beginning to believe Yuy only said the things he did to stun her. She couldn't imagine the stiff man in front of her doing something like brushing hair. It just didn't fit the man sitting next to her.
"Am I the only one who got sex out of the deal?" Uzumaki demanded.
"Duo and I don't bargain with sex anymore." Yuy shook his head. His eyes began to move shiftily. "After a month we both decided it wasn't worth it."
"How can someone sacrifice sex?" Mustang asked rhetorically. "Besides, Ed is nineteen. He is a slave to his hormones."
"Yugi would never be so fiendish," Yami denied. "He is a kind soul."
"Jim has the sex drive of a sixteen year old," Spock answered dryly like that answered everything. Which it did.
"Potter used to try and bargain with sex," Malfoy smiled sharply. "After the Weasley/Granger fiasco he knows better."
"Then how do I get Sasuke to stop?" Uzumaki pouted. "It's an unfair advantage."
"When he cuts you off next, prove to him you can go longer without sex than he can." Yuy solved.
"And that works?" Uzumaki asked with some awe.
"Worked for me," Yuy nodded his head, his hair falling over his eyes. "It's what forced Duo to call a truce."
"You have to watch for him trying to tempt you," Malfoy began in all seriousness. "When they realize you aren't joking, they suddenly begin wearing tight clothing and see through shirts and looking more desirable than usual. This is when you know you are close to winning."
Dr. Bolton was starting to get a sinking suspicion about her own relationship. Fae wouldn't do something so underhand, would she? Shaking her head to herself, Dr. Bolton returned to conversation going on around her.
"Right, ignore a super hot Sasuke because it means I'm winning." Uzumaki leaned forward in his chair like an eager pupil.
"Before you get too excited Uzumaki, maybe you should show everyone a picture of Sasuke." Dr. Bolton said, hiding her smirk. She had seen a glimpse of Sasuke Uchiha from her lover's files and they boy was gorgeous. Drop dead gorgeous.
That must've been a ninja talent of his…
"I'm sure I got one around here somewhere…" Uzumaki mumbled while he dug through his pockets.
"Why would his looks matter?" Spock asked her in all seriousness.
"You'll see," Dr. Bolton said smugly.
"Ah! Here it is!" Uzumaki pulled out a frog coin purse and pulled out a folded picture.
The five men got up for their chairs so they could see the photo better and a moment of silence went by. Dr. Bolton hid her surprise as the more reserved men got up to satisfy their curiosity like Yuy and Yami.
"You're so screwed."
"You never had a chance."
"Just bow down to his whims now."
"You're in a shit load of trouble."
"See what I mean by his looks now, Spock?" Dr. Bolton asked with a pleasant smile.
"I do," Spock nodded. "It is…fascinating."
"What?" Uzumaki looked at his photo of Sasuke and at the other men who all looked highly amused. "Why am I screwed?"
"That boy knows he's attractive." Yuy began.
"And from what we do know about him," Mustang continued.
"You'll never saw no." Malfoy finished. "Especially if he paraded himself around demanding for it like Potter tried doing."
"Hey! My willpower is strong! I can handle it!" Uzumaki protested.
"Naruto," Yami sighed, rubbing his temples. "Think about it."
Uzumaki sat in silence before a glazed look entered his eyes. He flushed and looked at the other men who were still crowded around him in embarrassment.
"I see." He coughed.
"Exactly," Yuy smirked.
"Moving on gentlemen," Dr. Bolton said firmly. They all went to back to their chairs. "Spock has mentioned children, starting a family with his partner, does anyone else have plans for the future with their significant other?"
"Yugi and I have discussed living in Egypt for a year after we graduate," Yami offered. "Kabia Corp has offered to fund a dig to learn more about the creation of Duel Monsters and the ancient history surrounding them."
"That sounds like a nice plan." Dr. Bolton said. She was further encouraged by the prompt answer. She had feared a long pause of nothingness again.
"You plan to work together?" Yuy asked curiously.
"Yes," Yami nodded. "Our skills complement each other and it is something we are both passionate about."
"And you both function well together?" Yuy pressed.
"Of course," Yami said. "We give each other time apart as well so we do not crowd each other."
"I see," Yuy said thoughtfully.
"What are you thinking, Yuy?" Dr. Bolton prompted. She wanted inside that boy's head and he had to share in order for her to be there.
"Duo and I used to work together as partners," Yuy began, the thoughtful look never leaving his eyes. "We worked extremely well together, but after Lady Une was informed of our relationship, we were reassigned and ever since then, I have not been comfortable with him being an active agent. It," he struggled for a moment. "Worries me. I just wonder if it is possible for both of us to exist together if we took other professions."
"You are considering quitting your line of work?" Spock asked with some curiosity.
"I've thought about it," Yuy said with some hesitation. "What we do is dangerous and I believe we could find something else to do, although, it would be his decision in the end, I just think we both stuck to what we knew rather than what we are passionate about."
"You should talk to your partner about it," Yami agreed. "Nothing else is better when you are both working together on something you love."
"Does anyone else have plans?" Dr. Bolton intervened before the two men could monopolize the conversation. She was pleased, however, they were talking to each other.
"I have a question actually?" Uzumaki fumbled. "Do you think a break – a vacation – could benefit a relationship?"
"Vacations generally help," Dr. Bolton began slowly. "Because they take the couple away from outside distractions. It allows them time to focus purely on each other and their relationship."
"So, it could be a good idea?" Uzumaki pressed.
"Of course," Dr. Bolton agreed. "But you both have to be in receiving mood or else the vacation could back fire and end up in only arguments, arguments that you generally avoid due to everyday distractions."
"Right," Uzumaki nodded vigorously. "Don't crowd him and don't expect miracles."
"Or else you'll get cabin fever," Mustang smirked. "I can only imagine what Ed would do if I took him away for a week to do nothing but relax."
"Speaking of yourself and your partner," Dr. Bolton said. "What do you two have planned for your futures? After you retire from the military?"
Mustang was silent for a long moment, and then answered. "I imagine Ed would like study more, be one of the renowned Alchemy scholars after the war. I am not sure I can see myself retiring."
"Do you think that will cause problems in your relationship?" Spock asked with his eyes bright.
"I imagine it will be complicated at first, but if a system is developed." Mustang shrugged. "Anything is possible. I don't want to push him to do something he doesn't want, and I know he feels the same."
"What happens if you have anything in common?" Malfoy asked in seriousness. "Po—Harry and I don't work in the same field, we don't like each other's friends. I think the only things we have in common is our hate for the ministry and ability to relate to each other. That's it."
"You two have problems." Uzumaki said bluntly.
Dr. Bolton silently applauded the man for being so honest.
"Mr. Malfoy, I believe you would mostly benefit from a long discussion with this 'Harry.'" Spock informed the younger man.
"Find something you both have in common," Yuy said as if it was obvious, which in retrospect, it was.
"Take time to find something you can do together." Yami said bluntly. "Anything to save your relationship."
"They're right," Dr. Bolton informed him. "Relationships take hard work. Love is a verb, not a noun. It is something you have to constantly work at to keep alive. It's not going to be easy. Ever. But the benefits always out way the hard work it takes." She glanced at the clock. "Our time is almost up, which brings me to the last thing I want to discuss today. A lot of you described your relationships without really describing them earlier, so now I want you to think of one word that describes your relationships – all the good and the bad." She looked over the group and had to banish the laughter that tried to bubble up. Who would have guessed a bunch of fearless men would be afraid of a bunch of adjectives?
"I'll go first." She smiled. "Affectionate."
She pointed at Malfoy, a sign for him to speak. "I don't know." Malfoy began with some irritation. "Maybe…windy."
"That's good." Dr. Bolton smiled. "Your turn, Uzumaki."
"Feline." Naruto said after a moment with a wide grin. Dr. Bolton hid a smile at Spock's expression. Maybe the Vulcan had a thing for cats?
"Spock, your turn."
"Inevitable." He said lowly.
The way his eyes shined made Dr. Bolton smile. She had read in a sub note in his profile that he had encountered another version of himself from another timeline. The only logical step she could make was that version of Spock had also been in love with captain.
"Mustang." Dr. Bolton ordered.
"I believe I would have to say, fiery." Mustang finally settled on.
Dr. Bolton raised an eyebrow at the proclaimed Flame Alchemist and wondered if that was the reason he used a fire based adjective. Shamelessly, he smirked back at her. Laughing softly, she urged the next man in the circle to speak: Yami.
"Light." Yami answered without hesitation.
"And you?" she directed at Yuy.
"Whole." He said simply.
"Now, I want you all to remember the memories and the love you felt while you were searching for a word to describe your relationships and apply to describing your relationships," Dr. Bolton encouraged. "Which leads me to your homework assignments. Malfoy, I want you to make a date night with Potter once a week. Uzumaki, I won't you to tell Sasuke exactly what you told us about what you feel for him. Spock, have that talk with Kirk. Yuy, talk with Maxwell about your future plans, find a new interest. Mustang, you need to figure that out too. Yami? Make sure the others do their homework." She smirked at the circle of men. "And remember you can always call each other if you need to, even if it is just for drinks at a bar. Stress and mistrust kills relationships. The best any of you can do is talk, communicate. Communications results in trust and stronger bonds and ties." She gave them all a more honest smile. "Now, get out of here. I hope to see you all in three months."
She watched as Mustang got up and then wrote his P.O. box address on a piece of paper while the more technologically advanced societies exchanged phone numbers and email addresses. She hoped they could keep in touch.
Sighing, Dr. Bolton waited until they all left to clean up the room. It amused her slightly that Spock had deemed Mustang a prime example of perfect relationship conduct while Yuy interrogated Yami on what sort of interests were common to have. It was no surprise to her to see when Uzumaki bounced out of the room to stand outside of Jael's room.
Love was a strange complex thing, but she knew they all had it.
She put the uneaten snacks in the trash with soft eyes, impatient to be reunited with her own lover.
Notes: The reason this refers to their last names instead of their firsts is because I believe Bolton would have kept a more standoffish way of referring to them mentally. This oneshot is moving into a tentative ten chapter arena. Didn't mean for it to be this way, but… I keep getting ideas. Hopefully, the humor will balance out any drama there is. :)