Hey all! I really enjoyed this part, as Ritsu is such a fun character, in my mind. Once again, thank you to everyone who took the time to read, especially to those who read and reviewed! Thanks a bunch!

On aside note, someone I believed asked in a review about when Jesus knocks over the tables in the temple, and I kept forgetting to answer (sorry!). Anyhow, I should have probably made a reference when I first posted the chapter, but the Bible verses Akito is alluding to in Session 212 after Kazuki snaps at her for throwing a table at him ("Now you should apologize for throwing the table."; "Jesus never apologized!"; "That's because Jesus doesn't throw tables at people!"; "In here the Bible, it says he knocked over all those tables in the temple.") are Matthew 21.12-13, Mark 11.15-17, and John 2.13-17 (the incident at the temple is also discussed in Luke 19.45-46, but the part with Jesus knocking over the tables is not specifically mentioned in this Gospel). So, she actually did do her reading, after all (despite the fact that her interpretation is rather unorthodox)! Hope that helps!

Now, without further adieu, yet another session! As always, enjoy!

Patient – Sohma Ritsu; Session #108

Some of my patients really could use the assistance of prescription drugs to help them lead normal lives. Ritsu was one of them. Although we had thoroughly discussed the emotional history behind his low self image, which manifested in his need to apologize constantly, he had yet to learn how to control his often hysterical outbursts. His tremendous anxiety and guilt was something that I was sure we could handle through proper counseling and possibly a sedative, but due to Akito, medication of any kind was completely out of the question. Despite this, I managed to remain optimistic with the hopes that I would somehow help Ritsu overcome his psychological burdens.

"Please, Ritsu, it's all right," I told him patiently, as I guided him back to the couch. I had just calmed him down from one of his frenzied rants (that almost had him jumping out the window, but gratefully I was able to professionally handle the situation), and Ritsu, exhausted it appeared, relaxed as soon as he sat. Meanwhile, I took my seat in my office chair, which I had moved from behind my desk and situated near the couch, and picked up my notes from the nearby end table (a new replacement for the one Akito had broken on me) where I had laid them. It had been a long session, or so it seemed, and it was finally winding down. Admittedly, the beginning half was my fault, since I foolishly apologized for having to reschedule our meeting, which resulted in his first of many hysterical tirades for the morning's meeting.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Kazuki," Ritsu apologized, a bit out of breath, "I know that you told me I must control my outbursts, but sometimes I just can't help it…"

"I understand, Ritsu," I replied sympathetically, making sure to add, "And you've come very far. Even today's session I believe has been rather successful."

"Do you really think so?"

I nodded, "Certainly. However, when someone has bottled up so much guilt inside of them for so long, it's a long process for them to overcome that guilt and start to respect themselves again. In your case, your guilt began in childhood, so it will take awhile, but as I said, you have come a long way already." Honestly speaking, I suppose I embellished a bit for Ritsu's sake, but at the same time, I recognized the importance of introducing him to positive thinking. I continued, "Now, how about we finish up for today, shall we?"

"All right," Ritsu replied meekly.

"Good," I smiled warmly, "Before I begin again, I just want to remind you that there's no need to apologize here; you may be completely honest and, as for myself, I am not here to judge you in any way, okay?"

"Okay."

"So, as I commented earlier - before you became upset - I noticed you wore women's clothes again to our meeting today. Is there a reason why?" I asked innocently. Immediately, I notice him growing ashamed, as he did when I brought the question up fifteen minutes earlier, which resulted in his tirade. Therefore, quickly, I reminded him; "And remember, there is absolutely no need to apologize."

Ritsu swallowed hard and nodded in compliance. Then, he said, "Well, Kazuki, I know I told you I was going to start dressing like a man, but I just felt I'd be more comfortable dressed as a woman, is all…"

"Comfortable in what way, Ritsu?"

"You know…so people don't expect as much from me…"

"I see." I jotted down some notes in his file. "Well, Ritsu, as I've told you in the past, there's nothing wrong with wanting to dress as a woman if you have certain inclinations in that direction. However, from what I've gathered from our sessions, it seems as if you don't have any desire to dress like a women, do you?"

"Not really," Ritsu admitted.

"Then, are you continuing to dress as a women as a way to perhaps hide from something?"

"Maybe…I guess I'm afraid to be a man…"

"And where does this fear come from Ritsu? Are you frightened that others won't accept you?"

"I'm sorry!" Ritsu suddenly blurted and I could sense one of his outburst coming on. "I'm sorry that I'm dressed this way! I'm such a pathetic –"

"Shh…" I hastily hushed him, "It's okay, Ritsu. Remember, no apologies?"

He quieted with this and began, "Yes, I remember, Kazuki. I'm sor – " He bit his lip to prevent himself from finishing.

"Good, Ritsu, good," I praised him and asked, "Now, if you recall, I told you that every time you feel the need to apologize, to try to step back calmly and analyze what's triggering those feelings of guilt in you. So, in this instance, why did you feel the need to apologize for?"

"It's just, well, I – I don't know," he stammered, blushing shamefully.

"Could it be maybe you were approaching a place that you felt might possibly lead to confrontation of sorts?"

"Yes, I guess I – " All or a sudden, the clock on my desk buzzed, signaling the end of the two hour session (yes, two full hours). Immediately, Ritsu jumped to his feet and exclaimed, "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, Kazuki! I should have never kept you so long! How can I be so inconsiderate! I'm sorry!"

He went on ranting as he hurried to my office's door and out into the corridor, as I got up to follow him. "Wait, Ritsu, it's all right!" I called after him from right outside the doorway.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" He cried back from down the hallway and soon disappeared down the stairs.

"Please, you don't need to apologize!" However, it was no use and I could hear the door close from downstairs. Groaning, I fell back against the wall right by my door and put my hand to my head in the hopes to soothe my migraine.

Was it so much to ask to have just one successful session?